Vector Criticizes Use Of Eyo Masquerade In ‘Gangs Of Lagos’ Movie
Elite Nigerian rapper Ogunmefun Olanrewaju, popularly known as Vector, has expressed his displeasure at some activities in the buzzing Nigerian Movie ‘Gangs of Lagos’.
The Lafiaji-born rapper expressed his displeasure at the way their culture was ‘misrepresented’ in the movie.
The Jade Osiberu film which was released on Prime Video on April 7, 2023, with a star-studded cast including Tobi Bakre, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Chike Osebuka, Chioma Akpotha, and Iyabo Ojo, has been the talk of the town since its release, charting in several countries across the world.
The film which was the first African Original for Prime Video and part of Osiberu’s three-year overall deal with the streaming platform told a story of the criminal activities of Lagos Island in Lagos State and part of the entities used to tell the story was the sacred Eyo Masquerade.
Taking to his Instagram on April 12th, 2023, Vector tha Viper who was born and bred in the Lafiaji part of Lagos Island, used his platform to educate the public about the Eyo Masquerade, making it known that is known for peace and prosperity.
Vector in the long post went on to criticize the deployment of the Eyo as a gang or criminal entity in the movie, stating that the movie would have still been good even if the Eyo was not used the way it was in the blockbuster movie. Accompanying the post with a video of himself during one of the Eyo festivals, he wrote:
I was born at the Onikan health center, lafiaji, Lagos island and all i have seen during the Eyo festival every time they’re out is, they stop by at ours and prayed wishing prosperity for my family.
Most of our friends like the Olugbani’s who are direct Eyo Ologede gatekeepers ( @hypeengine_mcbalo ) are not gun shooting criminals using culture as a disguise.
As teenagers, i’ve had friends (underneath the regalia )chase me with the staff ( Opambata ) because i knew they would take advantage and show me shege lol.
My idea of what the Bajulaiye is is totally different from murderous criminality.
Going by what the term gang means, it is disrespectful to define the Eyo in the same light.
In light of what i have experienced about Eyo, i wish prosperity to the hands that have labored although the movie would still be good without referring to Eyo as a (criminal) “gang” in lagos.
There is a reason they say “mo yo fun e, mo yo fun araa mi”
in English,
rejoicing with you,
Is rejoicing with myself.
Eyo is not a criminal organization.
