‘Gangs of Lagos’: We acted to protect Eyo heritage, says union

Outgoing Chairman of the Isale Eko Descendants’ Union, Kazeem Adeniji, has said the union’s opposition to the portrayal of the Eyo Masquerade in the film, “Gangs of Lagos,” was driven by the need to defend the integrity of Lagos cultural heritage against misrepresentation.

The release of ‘Gangs of Lagos’ in 2023 sparked strong backlash from the Isale Eko descendants, who accused the producers of defamation and sacrilege over the portrayal of the Eyo masquerade as a gang of murderers and assassins, as well as the depiction of Isale Eko as a criminal enclave.

Adeniji said the union’s response led to legal action instituted on May 30, 2023, against the Attorney General of Lagos State and the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, after which a settlement was reached with Greoh Limited and Amazon Prime, culminating in an apology and acknowledgement of concerns raised.

He said the intervention, which culminated in a formal apology from the producers of the film, was necessary to safeguard the dignity, history and cultural identity of the Isale Eko people for future generations.

Adeniji explained that the union’s stance formed part of a broader effort to ensure that indigenous cultural symbols are not distorted or misrepresented in public narratives.

He said, “The Eyo Masquerade is one of the most revered cultural symbols of Isale Eko and indeed Lagos. We considered it our duty to defend the integrity of that heritage against misrepresentation.”

He noted that the controversy surrounding the 2023 film underscored the need for vigilance in protecting indigenous culture, warning that cultural symbols must not be treated as disposable or open to distortion without consequence.

“For us, the issue was never merely about a film; it was about protecting the dignity, history and cultural identity of our people for future generations.

“Through constructive engagement and legal action, the matter was brought to a satisfactory conclusion, culminating in an apology and acknowledgement by those responsible for the portrayal,” he said.

He stressed that the episode demonstrated the emotional and historical attachment communities have to cultural symbols, noting that the reaction showed that heritage remains central to identity.

“The episode taught us that culture must never be taken for granted. Many people often assume that cultural symbols can be appropriated, altered or portrayed without consequence. The reaction to the portrayal of the Eyo Masquerade demonstrated that our people remain deeply attached to their heritage and are prepared to defend it when necessary,” he said.

According to him, the resolution of the dispute reinforced the importance of lawful engagement, dialogue and structured advocacy in protecting cultural rights.

“We were not seeking confrontation; we were seeking respect for our history and traditions,” he said.

Adeniji added that the experience underscored the need for continuous vigilance in cultural preservation, warning that communities must remain actively engaged in protecting their identity.

“The lesson for me is that cultural preservation requires vigilance. It requires institutions, community leaders and ordinary citizens to remain actively engaged in protecting the narratives that define who we are,” he said.

He further noted that the episode strengthened awareness of the significance of the Eyo Masquerade as a cultural icon of Lagos and reinforced the responsibility of stakeholders to treat indigenous heritage with sensitivity and respect.

Adeniji stressed the importance of balancing urbanisation with cultural preservation, warning that development must not erase historical memory.

While noting that urbanisation is inevitable, he insisted that cultural extinction is not.

“Urbanisation is inevitable; cultural extinction is not. The challenge is not whether Lagos will continue to grow. It certainly will. The challenge is whether growth will occur in a manner that respects the communities and traditions that gave Lagos its identity in the first place,” he said.

He stressed that development should not come at the expense of memory, insisting that traditional institutions, historic sites, indigenous languages, festivals and cultural practices must be preserved even amid modernisation.

“Development should not require the sacrifice of memory. We must preserve our traditional institutions, historic sites, indigenous languages, festivals and cultural practices even as we embrace modernity. A city that loses its heritage loses part of its soul,” he said.

Adeniji added that cultural preservation is an investment in identity, stressing that economic progress without cultural continuity is incomplete.

“Because culture is the soul of a people. When we support Eyo, celebrate our festivals, preserve historical sites, document our history and honour our traditional institutions, we are not engaging in nostalgia. We are investing in identity,” he said.

He also highlighted the role of community organisations as bridges between government and citizens, insisting that sustainable development requires collaboration across all sectors.

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“Community organisations serve as bridges between government and the people. Civil society, traditional institutions and community organisations all have critical roles to play,” he said.

Adeniji identified sustainability, youth inclusion, succession planning and the tension between tradition and modern realities as key challenges facing community-based organisations, urging younger generations to embrace indigenous identity as an asset rather than a relic.

“The younger generation must see indigenous identity not as a relic of the past but as an asset for the future,” he said.

Adeniji, who is rounding off his tenure and not seeking re-election, said his administration prioritised unity, cultural preservation and community development through initiatives such as the Isale Eko Day Walk and cultural celebrations.

He said the union also supported welfare and development programmes, including medical outreach and potable water initiatives, while strengthening participation in key cultural institutions such as the Eyo Festival and White Cap Chieftaincy traditions.

Adeniji added, “One of our key accomplishments was bringing the community together around shared cultural and developmental objectives. The Isale Eko Day Walk and Isale Eko Day Celebration became important platforms for promoting unity and showcasing our rich heritage.

“We also supported potable water distribution initiatives and facilitated medical outreach programmes through strategic partnerships. These interventions demonstrated that community organisations can make meaningful contributions to improving the quality of life of residents.

“In addition, we expanded membership, promoted employment opportunities for younger members and maintained active participation in important cultural institutions such as the Eyo Festival and the White Cap Chieftaincy traditions.”

He boasted of a cordial relationship with the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Femi Okunnu (SAN), former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Isale Eko Descendants’ Union, Mr Akin Kekere-Ekun, who served initially as Trustee and subsequently succeeded Alhaji Okunnu (SAN) as Chairman of the BoT.

He enjoined the next set of executives to preserve tradition while embracing innovation.

Adeniji said, “Stay focused on providing excellent service. Maintain the unity of our Union. Honour our elders while empowering younger members.

“Preserve our traditions while also welcoming innovation. Most importantly, remember that leadership is about stewardship. We are custodians of an institution that existed before us and will continue long after we’re gone.

“I also urge our people never to lose sight of the importance of preserving our heritage and protecting the institutions that have sustained our identity over generations.”

He expressed optimism about the future of Isale Eko, noting that its heritage, institutions and people remain strong and resilient, while urging continuity in the protection of cultural identity.

“As I leave the office, I remain optimistic about the future of Isale Eko. Our history is rich, our people are accomplished, our institutions remain strong, and our heritage endures,” he said.

Adeniji, who is eligible for re-election but is not seeking another term, said he chose to step aside to concentrate on his role as National President of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria.

Explaining the decision, he said leadership sometimes requires stepping back to create room for others to lead.

He said, “The Constitution permits a second term, and I am deeply honoured by the encouragement I have received from many members. However, leadership also requires knowing when to create space for others.”

He explained that his new national assignment had significantly expanded his workload, making it difficult to effectively combine both roles.

“In recent times, I have assumed the office of National President of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria. The demands of that office are considerable and national in scope. It requires extensive travel, strategic engagement and constant attention to matters affecting one of the foremost Islamic organisations in Nigeria,” he said.

Adeniji added that after careful reflection, he decided that retaining both positions would affect the level of attention each deserved.

“After careful reflection, I concluded that it would not be fair to either institution for me to attempt to combine both responsibilities at the level of commitment that they deserve,” he said.

He stressed that his decision was ultimately guided by the need to ensure effective leadership continuity within the Union.

“I, therefore, believe it is in the best interests of the Union for a new Chairman to emerge and provide focused leadership for the next phase of its development,” he said.