….. Describes Eyo festival as representation of peace
A Group Named Omo Epetedo Forum (OEF) has described the Trending Movie Titled “Gangs of Lagos” which was premiered by the duo of Jade Osiberu and Kemi Lala Akindoju as desecration of the Culture and Tradition of the Indigenous people of Lagos.
In a statement signed by the General Secretary of the Forum, Lawal Shitta entitled ” Misrepresentation of Facts in the Movie, Gangs of Lagos : A call for caution” and made available to newsmen condemned the portrayal of Eyo Adamu orisa play as a means of showcasing thuggery and gangsterism.
To set the record straight, the statement read “Let us remind the purveyors of such false representation that the Adamu Orisa play dates backto 1854 when it was first introduced.
“The Eyo symbolises final rites for a late Son or Daughter of Lagos, or used to usher in a new Eleko of Lagos. All the apparel and accoutrement of the Eyo Festival symbolises Peace and Tranquility. The Opanbata with which the Eyo moves around is an “Atona” which gives spiritual
directions to the Eyo coupled with Prayers.”
“It is then sad that such Tradition of high magnitude is been pictured as a tool of violence and criminality. It is not only sad that Jade Osiberu and Kemi Akindoju are well lettered, it is barbaric that they lost their sense of humour and ability to Research and Consult wide before delving into such Ethnic Profiling and demeaning of the Lagos tradition.” The forum added.
The forum however highlights its demand to include:
” The Producers; Jade Osiberu and Kemi Lala Akindoju MUST immediately tender Public Apology within 72 hours of the issue of this Press Statement or be ready for Legal tussle.
‘That the Nigeria Movie Censors Board should immediately call for a review and withdrawal of the movie from public glare.
‘That the Nigeria Nollywood Association (Parent Body) including the ANTP, TAMPAN and others should scold and sanction the producers for desecrating the Heritage of Lagos.
” All movie producers be warned to ensure a thorough Consultation, Research and Investigation about the Culture and Tradition of Nigerians before picking on such
items.”
The group however threatened that if the demands are not met within 7 Days of the publication, it will seek redress in Court.
Similarly, the Lagos State Government has also expressed displeasure with the promoters of the “Gangs of Lagos” film/series over what it described as “cultural misrepresentation” as well as portraying the culture of the state in a derogatory manner.
In a reaction by the state government, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf said the Ministry, being the regulatory body and custodian of the culture of Lagos State, viewed the film/series as a mockery of the Heritage of Lagos.
Earlier, Prince Uthman Shodipe-Dosunmu, the Apesinọla Ẹyọ Ọba Alakẹtẹ Pupa Ọkalaba Ẹkun, a cultural group, had also lend his voice to condemned the film, calling for an immediate withdrawal.
