Why we can’t ban ‘Gangs of Lagos’ — NFVCB

Following the controversies that have trailed the movie,
“Gangs of Lagos”, since it was released on Amazon Prime Video, the National
Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, has explained why they cannot ban it.

The Executive Director and CEO of the regulatory body,
Alhaji Adedayo Thomas, said the board can’t take any action against the movie
for now.

According to him, the NFVCB has no legal backing to regulate
what is being exhibited on the online platform.

Alhaji Thomas made this known in a telephone chat with
Vanguard yesterday.

He regretted that regulating online platform poses a lot of
difficulties since it’s not part of the mandate of the Board.

“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 explained.

His explanation became necessary as Lagos indigenes, on the
platform 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.

Lagos State Government, on its part, described the movie as
a cultural misrepresentation as well as portraying the culture of the state in
a derogatory manner.

According to the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture,
Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, the Ministry, being the regulatory body and
custodian of the culture of Lagos State, viewed the film as a mockery of the
heritage of Lagos.

Co-produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju and Jade Osiberu, ‘Gangs
of Lagos’ was released on Amazon Prime Video, an online platform on April 7.

It featured the likes of Tobi Bakare, Adesua
Etomi-Wellington, Chike Osebuka, Chioma Chukwuka, Olarotimi Fakunle, Chioma
Chukwuka, Bimbo Ademoye.

Other stars of the hit movie are Iyabo Ojo, Zlatan, Debo “Mr
Maraconi” Adedayo, Yhemolee, Pasuma, Toyin Abraham, Tayo Faniran, Damilola
Ogunsi, Funke Williams, among others.