Co-writer of ‘Gang of Lagos’ movie, Kayode Jegede, has addressed criticisms against the film’s portrayal of Eyo culture.

In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, Jegede stated that the movie was not intended to belittle the culture.

The film faced backlash upon its release last month for allegedly misrepresenting and mocking the Lagos heritage.

However, Jegede urged viewers to approach the film with an open mind, explaining that the story is about characters and not intended to denigrate the Eyo culture.

In his words;

“It would be unfair for me to describe those reactions as negative vibes. Our people understand that culture, tradition and even mythology is sacred and we’ll take a stand when we feel that the said culture is disrespected.

“However, the story doesn’t set out to denigrate the Eyo culture. A film is about characters, and if a criminal disguises himself as a revered cultural symbol, surely it does not equate to the filmmakers disrespecting the symbol?

“It literally speaks to the personality of the character portrayed and nothing else. I hope that we’re able to look at this story as what it is; a depiction of the beauty of the human spirit in its quest to triumph despite the limitations of its environment”, he stated.

He hopes that audiences will see the film as a depiction of the beauty of the human spirit overcoming limitations.