The Lagos State Government, and the head Honcho of Lagos State, Governor Sanwo-Olu is not happy at all with the producers, cast and promoters of latest Nigerian Jide Osiberu Original “Gangs of Lagos” as they should be. The Nigeria movie industry is very fond of promoting the Nigerian culture negatively in their movies, thus making outsiders see us in a bad light. We keep saying that it is time to change the narratives but here with are with the Gangs of Lagos.
A lot of Nigerians enjoyed the movie due to reports we got from movie lovers but Lagos state is not part of the adoring fans of the movie as they claim the movie is a total abomination, as it portrayed the Nigerian culture in a negative light.
Governor Sanwo-Olu sees the film as “total abomination and a mockery to our heritage”
Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, the commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture said that the film is “very unprofessional and misleading while its content is derogatory of our culture”. She said that the Ministry of Tourism is a regulatory body and custodian of Lagos and was disappointed when the film was heavily promoted.
“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,” she added.
Akinbile-Yussuf also stressed about some of the things used in the film like the “the Eyo Masquerade” which she sees as “equally used as a symbol of honour for remarkable historical events”.
“It signifies a sweeping renewal, a purification ritual to usher in a new beginning, a beckoning of new light, acknowledging the blessings of the ancestors of Lagosians,” she concluded.
The Isele Eko Descendants’ Union are also with the Government, stating that Eyo Festival as a representation of the spirits of the ancestors and not an event to be used by gun totting criminals. They logged a complaint at the National Film and Video Censors Board and demanded the film be withdrawn from viewing.
What do you think guys, is it too much or the government is overreacting. Please leave your comments on the page and tell us how you feel.
Linda-Claudia Uke. African Ngo news