The Lagos State Government has denounced the makers of the Gangs of Lagos movie for what it called “cultural misrepresentation” and for making fun of Lagos’ rich history in the film.
Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, the commissioner for tourism, arts, and culture, voiced her displeasure over the Eyo Masquerade being portrayed as a villain with a pistol while wearing the complete traditional regalia in a statement on Wednesday.
“We are of the opinion that the production of the film ‘The Gang of Lagos’ is very unprofessional and misleading while its content is derogatory of our culture, with the intention to desecrate the revered heritage of the people of Lagos. It is an unjust profiling of a people and culture as being barbaric and nefarious. It depicts a gang of murderers rampaging across the State,” the Commissioner said in a statement.
Four Dead As Rival Gang Members Opens Fire In The Street (Videos)
She insisted that the Adamu Orisha, also known as the Eyo Festival, is very occasionally observed and serves as a traditional rite of passage for revered Chiefs, prominent Lagosians, and Obas. She also said that the Eyo Masquerade is also utilized as a mark of honor for noteworthy historical events.
She claims it represents a thorough regeneration, a ceremony of purification to bring about a fresh start, a beckoning of new light, and an acknowledgement of the bounties of Lagosians’ ancestors.
Lagos prince Uthman Shodipe-Dosunmu urged the immediate departure of the “Gangs of Lagos” in a previous response via statement.
Shodipe-Dosunmu referred to the film as an ugly, hate-filled caricature of the Lagosian history and added that it not only distorts the culture of the Lagosians but also labels them as murderers and criminals based on their ethnicity.
Four Dead As Rival Gang Members Opens Fire In The Street (Videos)
He urged the National Film and Video Censors Board and other appropriate authorities to outlaw the film and punish its promoters to the fullest extent possible.
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.