The statement shared on the state government’s official website reads: “Lagos State Government has expressed displeasure with the promoters of the “Gangs of Lagos” film/series over cultural misrepresentation and for portraying the culture of Lagos State in a derogatory manner.
“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.
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 Obas, renowned Chiefs, and prominent Lagosians.
Read the full statement below,
LASG FROWNS AT CULTURAL MISREPRESENTATION BY PROMOTERS OF “GANGS OF LAGOS” FILM/SERIES
Read more: https://t.co/YR2esammnM@jidesanwoolu @drobafemihamzat @LagostourismO @gbenga_omo @gboyegaakosile @fjaji @hmokunola_ @Mr_JAGs #LASG #AGreaterLagosRising#ForAGreaterLagos pic.twitter.com/gPXILuW9y0
— The Lagos State Govt (@followlasg) April 12, 2023
However, the statement has been heavily criticized by Nigerians on Twitter.
Skipped over the violence, deaths, poverty and other ills portrayed in the movie.
— viruz (@teejayviruz) April 12, 2023
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 LASG is not frowning at trailers/containers falling on lagosians, not frowning at building collapsing and killing people, not frowning at insecurity in the state but it’s here frowning at a movie thru feel is speaking to them. Guilty conscience is bad o
— Lawalejenfa (@lawalejenfa) April 12, 2023
