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Gangs Of Lagos: Indigenes Petition NFVCB Over Alleged Defamation Of Isale Eko, Eyo

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Lagos indigenes under the aegis of the Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU) have petitioned the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) over alleged defamation of their community and Eyo masquerade in the Gangs of Lagos film.

In a statement signed by the Union’s Chairman, Mr Yomi Tokosi, Gangs of Lagos released on Amazon Prime Video on April 7, 2023, scandalously portrayed the Isale Eko community and Eyo in the bad light of platforms for criminal activities.

The union expressed displeasure that Isale Eko was painted as a crime hub in the film directed by Jadesola Osiberu, and co-produced by Kemi Akindoju, adding that it brought the indigenes into blatant shame.

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The statement read, “The attention of the Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU) has been drawn to the very disturbing violent images in a new movie directed by Jade Osiberu and Kemi Lala Akindoju, executive produced by Adesegun Adetoro, Demi Olubanwo, Olumide Soyombo, Bankole Wellington, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, and Kola Aina; and filmed by Greoh Studios, and released by Amazon’s Prime Video Nigeria called gangs of Lagos.”

IDU stated further, “In the movie, the unique Eyo masquerade indigenous to the Isale Eko community in Lagos was illegally and scandalously depicted as being used as a camouflage, decoy and subterfuge for murderers and gangsters operating in the Isale Eko area.”

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The Union stressed that Eyo has been the exclusive cultural legacy of the indigenous Lagosians for close to 170 years, thus slamming Gangs of Lagos and its owners for viewing it in a “despicable and insensitive manner.”

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“For the avoidance of doubt, the Eyo masquerade has been part of the unique cultural heritage of the Isale Eko community of Lagos since 1854 (169 years) and the Eyo is known as a masquerade for celebration in Lagos island and not an instrument of gangs of criminals as illegally and scandalously portrayed.”

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It said, “Most importantly, the movie has brought the Eyo masquerade and the people of Isale Eko into disrepute, who are now deemed criminally minded in the eyes of right-thinking members of the society.

“The Isale Eko descendants’ union is very disturbed that the culture and tradition of Isale Eko can be wantonly exploited in such a despicable and insensitive manner by Amazon Prime Video to the detriment of the Isale Eko community.

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“The illegal and scandalous depiction of the Eyo masquerade in the movie is actionable and a petition has been lodged by the IDU with the National Film and Video Censors Board (NF&VCB) including other major stakeholders.

“The IDU has among other things requested that the NF&VCB withdraw the approval granted to the movie- Gangs of Lagos and direct the withdrawal of the movie from all viewing channels available to the public. The IDU and other community stakeholders will also be considering legal action for the damage done to the culture, tradition and image of the Isale Eko community and the Eyo masquerade.”

 

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Facebook, Instagram Suspend Idris Abdulkareem’s Accounts After New Song, Open Letter To Donald Trump

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Nigerian rapper and activist Eedris Abdulkareem has announced that his Facebook and Instagram accounts were suspended shortly after the release of his new song, Open Letter to Donald Trump.

Abdulkareem, in a report by online news platform, SaharaReporters, on Sunday said that he has been unable to access either account since the release of the track.

“Facebook just suspended my Facebook and Instagram account because of my new song, Open Letter to Donald Trump,” he said. “I can’t access it.”

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Checks confirmed that both accounts are no longer accessible.

Abdulkareem, known for politically charged music and criticism of government policies, did not provide further details on the duration of the suspension imposed by Meta, Facebook’s parent company.

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Released in November 2025 under his label, Lakreem Entertainment, Open Letter to Donald Trump is framed as a direct address to the former U.S. President but primarily targets Nigeria’s political class.

In the song, Abdulkareem accuses Nigerian leaders of enriching themselves while ordinary citizens endure hardship, describing them as “criminals of all shades and hues” who dominate society. The track references worsening insecurity, including kidnappings, killings, and terrorism, and seeks to draw international attention to Nigeria’s crises.

The song continues Abdulkareem’s tradition of protest music, following his 2004 hit Jaga Jaga and the more recent 2025 release Tell Your Papa, which was banned by the National Broadcasting Commission for allegedly containing “objectionable lyrics” in violation of responsible broadcasting rules. The ban prohibited Nigerian radio and television stations from airing the track.

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Abdulkareem has consistently used his music to challenge political leaders and highlight social injustice, cementing his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most outspoken protest musicians.

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Recall that in 2020, Abdulkareem accused Grammy-winning singer, Burna Boy, of appropriating the works of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti to advance his career.

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Abdulkareem made the remarks in a video interview, responding to a now-deleted tweet by Burna Boy in which he claimed that no one had paved the way for him as an artist.

Abdulkareem argued that Burna Boy’s success relied heavily on Fela’s musical legacy and called on the “Anybody” singer to apologise.

He said that while Fela’s songs carried meaningful messages that enriched the lives of listeners, Burna Boy had borrowed extensively from both Fela and Afrobeat without giving due recognition.

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“I think with due respect, Burna Boy needs to apologise. At least Fela made it happen for you, and you stole a lot from Fela’s songs to become who you are. You stole from Afrobeats to become who you are. Even though Fela’s songs are strictly about messages that add value to the lives of people, what is your song about?” Abdulkareem said.

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Organizers Cancel Burna Boy’s US Shows After Fans Refused To Buy Tickets

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The singer ‘No Sign of Weakness’ US tours including tonight’s performance scheduled for November 28, 2025, at The Armory in Minneapolis was abruptly cancelled after fans failed to buy tickets.

Ticketmaster announced the last minute cancellation on its website on Thursday.

Today’s show was cancelled with another concert scheduled for December 1, 2025, in Chicago.

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While the tour failed to provide a specific reason for the cancellation, the development came amid the public criticism directed at
Burna Boy after he walked out a couple for sleeping during his performance at Colorado.

The viral video of the incident sparked controversy, which intensified after the singer, while reacting to his critics during an Instagram live session, said “he only wants supporters who buy his tickets and not fans”.

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It was later reported that the woman who slept during his performance was grieving a recent personal loss.

Confirming the cancellation, Burna Boy in a post on his Instagram story on Friday morning shared a direct link from the ticketing website, showing that the two concerts were cancelled.

 

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My Father Regretted Funding My Education After I Became Skit Maker – Sabinus

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Nigerian comedian, Emmanuel Ejekwu, popularly known as Sabinus, has revealed that his father didn’t initially support his decision to become a comedian.

In a candid interview with VJ Adams, Sabinus explained that his dad wanted him to be a lawyer but he eventually settled for Linguistics and Communication Studies after failing to secure a law admission.

He recalled that it was while studying at the University of Port Harcourt that he discovered his comedy talent and start making skits.

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The comedian said when his dad found out that he was a skit maker, he regretted funding his education and described the profession as “stupid business.”

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Sabinus said, “At first, my dad never wanted me to be what I am today, he wanted me to be a lawyer. I tried my best but I couldn’t secure a law admission. So, I had to settle for Linguistics and Communication Studies at Uniport.

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“It was on the campus that I saw skit making and I decided to try it out. Money wasn’t coming.

“After I graduated, my dad never knew I was a comedian because I was hiding it. It was one more year after school that he started seeing me on comedy show posters. My sisters confirmed to him that I was into comedy. He was very furious. He fumed, ‘Which comedy? Stupid business. Look at the boy I sent to become a lawyer.’”

The comedian added that his dad eventually gave him his blessings after he started gifting him money from his proceeds from comedy.

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