We Can’t Ban ‘Gangs of Lagos’ — NFVCB Explains
BY CHINYERE OBIORA – Amid reservations trailing the controversial movie, “Gangs of Lagos”, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has explained its handicap at moving against public viewing of the film nationwide.
According to the Board, with no legal backing to regulate what is being exhibited on the online platform, there is nothing that can be done to stop the movie from going viral on the social media.
The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NFVCB, Alhaji Adedayo Thoma said in the circumstances, the regulatory body does not have powers to take any action against the movie recently released on Amazon Prime Video.
Media reports quoted Alhaji Thomas as lamenting that there are difficulties in regulating online platforms because it is not covered by the existing mandate of the Board.
Explaining the Agency’s position further, he stated thus; “Have you seen the movie in any cinema house or being exhibited in any open space? Our job does not cover regulating online platforms.
“I don’t know why people are referring to the Censors Board to take action. We have a bill before the National Assembly seeking to empower the Board to regulate online platforms and any other platforms where movies are exhibited.
“Online platform is difficult to regulate and it’s not part of our mandate.”
Alhaji Thomas explanations came on the heels of a recent petition submitted by some Lagos State indigenes, under the aegies of Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU) to the NFVCB, alleging defamation of their community and Eyo masquerade in the ‘Gangs of Lagos’ film.
Also on its part, the Lagos State Government described the movie as a cultural misrepresentation as well as portraying the culture of the state in a derogatory manner.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, stated that the Ministry, as the regulatory body and custodian of the culture of Lagos State, views the film as a mockery of the Lagos heritage.
The ‘Gangs of Lagos’, co-produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju and Jade Osiberu, was released for public viewing on April 7, 2023 on the popular online platform, Amazon Prime Video.
Among the top Nollywood performers in the movie are Tobi Bakare, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Bimbo Ademoye, Chike Osebuka, Olarotimi Fakunle, and Chioma Chukwuka.
Also starring in the hit movie are Iyabo Ojo, Zlatan, Yhemolee, Pasuma, Funke Williams, Toyin Abraham, Debo “Mr Maraconi” Adedayo, Tayo Faniran, and Damilola Ogunsi, among others.
