“Isale Eko is a jungle, everyone does what they need to survive!”
“Omo Aye for life!”
If you’re a true Nollywood fan, you probably know where those famous lines came from. Yes, Gangs of Lagos! One of the most talked-about movies in recent years. Directed by Jade Osiberu and co-produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju, the 2023 blockbuster gave us raw action, deep Lagos street culture, and unforgettable performances. But beyond the thrills, the film stirred something else, a national conversation about cultural and religious respect in film.
When Culture Meets Crime Scenes
Gangs of Lagos wasn’t just another gangster movie. It gave us a picture of life in Isale Eko, a part of Lagos rich with history, tradition, and culture. But here’s where the problem started: in one scene, gang members wore Eyo masquerade costumes to carry out killings.
To the average viewer, it may have looked like creative storytelling. But to the people of Isale Eko, it was deeply offensive. The Eyo masquerade is a respected cultural symbol. It’s not a costume for crime scenes. It’s a heritage.
Soon, there was backlash. The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism called it a “mockery of Lagos heritage.” The Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU) even sued the producers and Amazon for N10 billion in damages. Their reason? The film wrongly painted Isale Eko as a place for gangsters and used a sacred masquerade to represent killers.
The Legal Drama Behind the Drama
The case went to court. After a lot of back and forth, in 2025, a Lagos High Court approved a settlement. The film producers and Amazon agreed to write a public apology, admitting that the movie wrongly portrayed the Eyo masquerade and the Isale Eko community. For the IDU, this was a victory. It wasn’t just about money or fame, it was about protecting culture and correcting a public image.
Creativity or Cultural Insensitivity?
This brings us to the big question: where do we draw the line? Should filmmakers be allowed to freely use cultural and religious symbols in the name of creativity? Or should they be more careful and respectful, especially when dealing with traditions that people hold dear?
Religious Representation or Misrepresentation?
It’s not just about culture. Religion is another touchy subject in Nollywood. In 2024, actress Nancy Isime came under fire for wearing a hijab while playing a criminal in a yet-to-be-released movie. The photos from the film set showed hijab-wearing women with guns robbing a bank. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) immediately called for the film to be banned.
According to them, It made Islam and Muslim women look like terrorists. In response, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) stepped in, promising to investigate and ensure no film disrespects any religion or culture.
What About Christianity in Nollywood?
Interestingly, when Christian symbols are used in strange ways, like fake pastors, corrupt bishops, or prayer warriors turned ritualists, there’s usually little or no backlash. Maybe it’s because Christians in Nigeria rarely take offence or maybe they’ve just gotten used to it.
But that doesn’t mean it’s right. Religion whether Islam, Christianity, or traditional worship matters to people. Using it wrongly in movies can hurt feelings, create false impressions, or even spark religious tension.
Finding the Balance: Respect and Responsibility
Nollywood is growing. Our filmmakers are bolder, braver, and more creative than ever. But with great creativity comes great responsibility.
Before using any cultural symbol or religious image, filmmakers must ask themselves:
- Is this portrayal fair and respectful?
- Will this offend a group of people?
- Can I tell this story without misrepresenting others?
There’s a difference between showing reality and rewriting it in a way that hurts people. It’s okay to tackle tough subjects, but how we tell the story matters just as much as the story itself.
So, What Does A Fan Say?
To answer this, we asked Hadassah, a legal mind and Nollywood enthusiast:
Q: Do you believe the court’s decision was too harsh, or was it a necessary step to ensure that filmmakers respect cultural and religious symbols in their work? Should Nollywood creators be held to stricter standards when it comes to cultural representations in their films?
Hadassah’s Response:
“I don’t think the decision was harsh at all. If anything, a harsher ruling would have involved awarding damages. Given that there was no evidence of malice, asking for an apology and a public statement to restore the good image of the Eyo masquerade seems like a fair and balanced outcome for all parties involved.
That said, I believe this sets an important precedent and will serve as caution for filmmakers when representing cultural or religious symbols regardless of whether they belong to the majority or a minority group. Cinema holds strong power in shaping public perception, so Nollywood creators must tread carefully and respectfully in their portrayals.
I also think regulatory bodies like the NBC and others should be more intentional about scrutinizing films before they’re released. However, there must be a balance. We don’t want a creative environment where filmmakers are too afraid of litigation to tell meaningful stories. Cinema should be an honest and bold mirror of society yet thoughtful enough not to misrepresent the culture and beliefs of others.”
Final Thoughts: Can Nollywood Be Both Bold and Respectful?
Filmmakers must learn the art of “portraying without profaning.” Just as you wouldn’t depict a crucifix as a murder weapon in a Christian movie, or a Quran as a prop in a drug deal, the same caution must extend to indigenous masquerades and traditional attire.
Creativity must not die in the name of caution. But caution must not be ignored in the name of creativity.
So the next time you pick up a pen to write a script, ask yourself: Am I telling a powerful story? Or am I telling it at the cost of someone’s cultural dignity?
