“Lagosians Are Not Happy With That Movie”: Chief Condemns Portrayal of Eyo Masquerade in Gangs of Lagos
- Popular Nigerian movie, Gangs of Lagos, has drawn criticism from a Lagos chief over the portrayal of Eyo masquerade
- In a video making the rounds, the Akinsiku of Lagos, Chief Adebola Dosunmu, noted that Eyo is not meant for movies and there's a process to it
- He added that Lagosians are not happy with the movie, and they will not stand for it
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!
The newly released Nigerian movie, Gangs of Lagos, has drawn criticism from a traditional chief in Lagos over the portrayal of Eyo masquerade.
In a video making the rounds, Chief Adebola Dosunmu, the Akinsiku of Lagos, complained about the Eyo masquerade being commonised. According to him, there is a process to it.
Source: Instagram
The traditional chief added that a person cannot just decide to portray Eyo because they are Lagosian. He added that the masquerade is not meant for movies or parties, and Eyo is only staged for the deceased kings or chiefs or for people who have done so well for Lagos.
Not stopping there, Chief Dosunmu added that it is taboo for anybody to just decide to bring out Eyo, and it has repercussions.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app!
Also in the video, the Akinsiku of Lagos made it clear that Lagosians are displeased with the Gang of Lagos movie and are not going to take it.
In his words:
“Lagosians are not happy with that movie, and we're not going to take it and it’s unacceptable for our tradition and for our heritage.”
The Lagos chief also explained that there are three types of Eyo, the Osan, Oru and Gbogbogbo. He added that Eyo Gbogbogbo is the general one, and it takes about three months of preparation.
Chief Dosunmu explained that anybody cannot just don the Eyo outfit and claim they are carrying out the festival because it is taboo and has consequences.
He said:
“Eyo Gbogbogbo means the general one, at least that will take us like three months for the preparation. So somebody will just go and bring the fila (hat) and put everything on and say they’re doing Eyo, no, it’s a taboo. It might not be today, it might not be tomorrow, if anything happens, you carry your cross.”
See the full video below:
Netizens react as traditional chief condemns portrayal of Eyo masquerade in Gangs of Lagos movie
Read what some netizens had to say about Chief Dosunmu’s reaction to the portrayal of Eyo in Gangs of Lagos.
Kafayat_jejeniwaojueko:
“Thank you sir,our culture and heritage need to be protected, have watched the movie and I felt so sad on the part of the Eyo…”
thrift_by_asmara:
“I expected dis,but trust me d movie mad gan ni.”
ennyzlovesangel:
“I was expecting this.”
olori.temitope.adeoye:
“I have not seen the film but I was told Eyo was not well represented knowing that eyo is a peaceful deity.”
rosavera101:
“Kudos to our yoruba traditional leaders, not everything should be in the movie #period.”
abebi_olorire:
“I was just discussing this some days ago…This should be a continuous learning platform sir. I am glad to see this…. Our tradition should not be taken with levity.. knowledge is key .”
hennytanmi:
“Thank you for stating this again and again. Most of us, the indigenous people know this but those that are not grounded with our culture and customs don't know it and repercussions.”
sireboyo:
“The Oracle has spoken .”
waveyball_00:
“I said it!! Gangs of Lagos cast make una come hear!! Don’t tarnish our heritage.”
It's not a big deal - Lagosian says
During a chat with Legit.ng's Owolawi Taiwo, an indigene of Lagos recognised simply as Oladeji, shared his thoughts on the uproar generated by the Gangs of Lagos movie over the portrayal of Eyo masquerade.
Oladeji admitted that even though he had not seen the movie, he did not think it would be much of a big deal if Eyo was portrayed the right way.
He said:
"It’s not much of a big deal if it’s depicted correctly. If other cultural symbols can be used to portray a movie script, why not Eyo?"
It's supposed to portray culture
Another young Nigerian, Maria, spoke with Legit.ng on the use of Eyo masquerade in Gangs of Lagos. According to her, the only thing that can be held against the makers of the movie is the using of Eyo to kill someone. She noted that it was supposed to portray culture and not crime.
In her words:
"The only thing they can hold against them is using it as a disguise to kill someone, it’s supposed to portray culture, not crime.”
She also said:
"Aside that, haven’t people been using Eyo in movies?"
Funke Akindele hails Bimbo Ademoye over role in Gangs of Lagos
Nollywood actress and prolific movie producer Funke Akindele recently got people talking with a comment she shared online about the fast-rising Nigerian film star Bimbo Ademoye.
Akindele couldn't help but voice her admiration of Bimbo Ademoye's pitch-perfect delivery of her role in the trending new movie 'Gangs of Lagos'.
Bimbo played the character, Teni, in the Prime Video original.
Akindele and many other Nollywood stars were at the movie's premiere, and they all brought their gangster Owambe vibe to full glare.
Source: Legit.ng
