What Is It About Nigerian Film 'Gang of Lagos' And Eyo Masquerade

 

What is going with Jide Osiberu directed film, Gang of Lagos and all the blacklash that has followed since its release, even from the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu? 

This weekend will be Gang of Lagos first week of release and much is expected of the film at domestic box office looking past the accusation of portraying Lagos cultural masquerade, Eyo as capable of aid criminal activities. Reason being its predecesssors like, Ijakumo did incredibly well regardless of the cash crunch situation at the time of its release.

If you are familiar with Adamu Orisha otherwise  known as Eyo, it is the frontline cultural pride of Lagos, and therebon the island at Tafawa Balewa Square, you can see status of masquerade in it majestic outlook. Around that environment is where the filming was done and the storyline centres on. In fact, Eyo is not just the pride of Lagos monarch but that of the state government. Now, where did things go wrong with the film that it received the attention of the state government so quickly. 

Eyo, Crime and Condemnation of Gang of Lagos

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu condemned Gang of Lagos for misrepresentation of Adamu Orisha otherwise known as Eyo

Soon after the film premiered, what followed was it being berrated by the government. What could be the reason for that? GoL is centred on a group of friends from the same neighbourhood on the island which is depicted as crime hotbed and even the Eyo masquerade can be used to peddle firearms around.

Portraying Eyo as an instrument of crime is where everything goes wrong. It was swiftly condemned by the state goverment describing that narrative as "disrespectful" to the history and heritage of the people of the state. The crime-based film has received. 

Contrary to the film, Eyo is a deity that blesses and helps bring to pass every good wishes of it worshipers and everyone the masquerade comes in contact with. The catchphrase of the masquerade and the worshipers upon coming in contact with anyone on festive day is: "Moyo fun e, moyo funarami." In English, that can be translated as, "I'm happy for you, I'm happy for myself."

What Does Fate Hold For Gang of Lagos 

 Adamu Orisa otherwise known as Eyo is commonly practiced by the people of Lagos Island, Nigeria

Screening of the film at cinemas are yet ongoing despite the backlash neither is the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) willinging to suspend the film. Rather, its director general, Otunba Segun Runsewe has pleaded with the state government on behave of the filmmaker, whom he urged, and likewise others, to rethink their narratives of cultural-related scenes. 

He said: "We were made to appreciate and understand that Eyo masquerade public appearance is guided by certain traditional ethics and procedure, so we expect our filmmakers to follow the same engagement route." 

The statement was following calls from the leader of cultural group belonging to the Apesinola Eyo Oba Alakete Pupa Okalaba Ekun, Prince Uthman Shodipe-Dosunmu, who called for the withdrawal of the film having described it as an "ethnic profiling sacrilegious and outrageous trash."