“A release signed by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharm. (Mrs.) Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf said the Ministry, being the regulatory body and custodian of the culture of Lagos State, views the film/series as a mockery of the Heritage of Lagos.”
“The Commissioner expressed her disappointment with the promoters of the film, Jade Osiberu and Kemi Akindoju, for portraying the Eyo Masquerade as a gun-wielding villain while adorning the full traditional regalia.”
According to the statement, the film is unprofessional and misleading, and its content is disrespectful to their culture, with the intention of desecrating the respected legacy of the people of Lagos.
However, Akinbile-Yussuf maintained that the ‘Adamu Orisha’, also known as the ‘Eyo Festival,’ is rarely observed and serves only as a customary rite of passage for kings, renowned Chiefs, and prominent Lagosians.
See statement below,
In addition, Lagos indigenes under the aegis of the Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU), have petitioned the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) over alleged defamation of their community and Eyo masquerade in the ‘Gangs of Lagos’ film.
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