Omo Epetedo Forum, a notable association for Lagos indigenes of Epetedo descent, has berated the producers of a movie named ”Gangs of Lagos” for portraying the culture and heritage of Eyo Adamu orisa in a derogatory manner.
The Forum stated this in a Press Statement issued by its General Secretary, Lawal Shitta Olasunkanmi tagged ”MISREPRESENTATION OF FACTS IN THE MOVIE, GANGS OF LAGOS; A CALL FOR CAUTION”
It reads, ”The attention of the *Omo Epetedo Forum*, OEF, has been drawn to a movie premiere by the duo of Jade Osiberu and Kemi Lala Akindoju, desecrating the culture and tradition of the indigenous people of Lagos.
”While we are not averse to their rights to turn fiction to reality, We are totally in disagreement with the criminal portrayal of the Eyo Adamu orisa play as a means to gangsterism and thuggery. Let us remind the purveyors of such false representation that the Adamu Orisa play dates back to 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.
OUR DEMANDS
In view of the foregoing, We hereby demand that;
* 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.
* That IF our demands are not met within 7 Days of this publication, We shall not hesitate to approach the Courts to seek redress.
Meanwhile, 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.
