The Isale-Eko community in Lagos celebrates a landmark legal victory after the court ruled in their favour, affirming their intellectual property rights over cultural representations in “Gangs of Lagos.”

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]oday marks a significant victory for the Isale-Eko community in Lagos State, as the Lagos High Court, under Honourable Justice Idowu Alakija, issued a landmark ruling recognising the intellectual property rights of indigenous peoples in their cultural heritage.

Also read: Court adjourns Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case to March 2025

The ruling came as a direct response to the controversy surrounding the movie titled Gangs of Lagos, which the Isale-Eko Descendants Union claimed had erroneously portrayed and disparaged the community’s traditions, particularly the respected Eyo Masquerade.

In a case that has garnered widespread attention, the Isale-Eko Descendants Union, represented by a robust legal team led by Mr. Supo Shasore SAN, successfully argued that the filmmakers, along with Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited and 11 other defendants, had used the Isale-Eko people’s cultural elements without permission.

The court recognised the validity of the community’s claims, affirming that no exploitation or use of indigenous cultural rights can occur without the express consent of the community.

The court’s ruling was a pivotal moment, not just for Isale-Eko, but for indigenous communities at large. The judgement underlined that indigenous peoples have inalienable cultural rights, which must be vigorously protected under both national and international law, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

These rights, the court noted, should be respected across all mediums, from cinemas to digital platforms, ensuring that the cultural expressions of indigenous communities are not exploited without their consent.

As part of the judgement, the 12th Respondent, Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited, was directed to issue an official letter recognising the position of the Isale-Eko Descendants Union. The letter will confirm the community’s rights over their cultural heritage and will include an unreserved apology for the portrayal of the Isale-Eko traditions in the film.

This ruling provides a firm legal precedent for how indigenous communities can safeguard their intellectual property in an increasingly globalised entertainment industry.

The Isale-Eko Descendants Union, in a statement following the judgement, expressed their gratitude to the Lagos State Attorney General for their positive involvement in resolving the dispute.

They also thanked their royal father, Alaiyeluwa Oba Riliwanu Akiolu I, the Oba of Lagos, for his continued support and leadership. The community also acknowledged the backing of their legal team and well-meaning Lagosians who offered both spiritual and physical support throughout the legal battle.

“This is a victory not just for the Isale-Eko community but for all indigenous peoples,” said a spokesperson for the Isale-Eko Descendants Union.

“Today, we have been vindicated in our claim that our culture and heritage are invaluable and must be protected. We are grateful for the court’s recognition of our rights and for the support of everyone who helped make this possible.”

The judgement, which affirms the intellectual property rights of the Isale-Eko people, also sends a clear message to filmmakers, digital platforms, and other industries that indigenous communities will no longer tolerate the uncredited use or misrepresentation of their cultural heritage.