Essential Ndubuisi
The Executive Director and CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Alhaji Adedayo Thomas, has explained why the board cannot take any action against the controversial movie “Gangs of Lagos” for now. In a recent telephone chat with NollyNow, he stated that the NFVCB has no legal backing to regulate what is being exhibited on online platforms, and that regulating online platforms is not part of the board’s mandate. Alhaji Thomas noted that the board has a bill before the National Assembly seeking to empower it to regulate online platforms and any other platforms where movies are exhibited.
This explanation comes in response to calls for the NFVCB to ban the movie, which has sparked controversy since its release on Amazon Prime Video. Lagos indigenes under the auspices of Isale Eko descendants’ Union (IDU) recently petitioned the Censors Board over alleged defamation of their community and Eyo masquerade in the “Gangs of Lagos” film. The Lagos State Government has also criticized the movie, describing it as a cultural misrepresentation and a mockery of the heritage of Lagos.
Co-produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju and Jade Osiberu, “Gangs of Lagos” features a star-studded cast, including Tobi Bakare, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Chike Osebuka, Chioma Chukwuka, Olarotimi Fakunle, Bimbo Ademoye, Iyabo Ojo, Zlatan, Debo “Mr Maraconi” Adedayo, Yhemolee, Pasuma, Toyin Abraham, Tayo Faniran, Damilola Ogunsi, and Funke Williams, among others. The movie was released on Amazon Prime Video on April 7.
