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Isale Eko union threatens lawsuit over Eyo masquerade depiction in ‘Gangs of Lagos’

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Lagos indigenes under the auspices of the Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU) have threatened to take legal action against the producers of ‘Gangs of Lagos’, a new blockbusting action movie.

Directed by Jade Osiberu and produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju, ‘Gangs of Lagos’ was released on Amazon’s Prime Video on April 7.

In a statement on Wednesday, Yomi Tokosi, the union’s chairman, said the movie “scandalously portrayed the Isale Eko community and Eyo masquerade in the bad light of platforms for criminal activities”.

IDU said the branding of the Eyo masquerade in the film has brought the culture and tradition of the people to “disrepute”.

The union also called on the National Film And Censors Board (NFVCB) to withdraw the approval granted to the movie.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

‘Gangs of Lagos’ tells the tale of a group of friends who have to navigate destiny while growing up on the streets of Lagos.

The film is enjoying a positive reception in many parts of the world.

In August 2022, Prime Video announced the launch of ‘Gangs of Lagos’, its first Nigerian original.

Entertainment

Rapper NBA YoungBoy pleads guilty in drug fraud case

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NBA YoungBoy, the US rapper, has pleaded guilty to charges connected to a prescription drug fraud scheme.

The Louisiana rapper appeared in a courtroom in Logan, Utah on Monday, where he admitted to two counts of third-degree felony identity fraud, two counts of third-degree felony forgery, and six counts of misdemeanor unlawful pharmacy conduct.

YoungBoy, who is still serving 27 months on federal charges, also entered a “no contest” plea for 36 additional charges. He initially faced 46 state charges.

The plea deal reduced the felony charges to Class A misdemeanors.

Spencer Walsh, the judge, suspended a prison sentence, instead imposing a $25,000 fine.

The judge acknowledged YoungBoy’s prior agreement to serve over two years in prison and five years of probation for a related federal case resolved in September.

Authorities revealed that YoungBoy orchestrated the scheme from his home in Huntsville, Utah, where he posed as a doctor, using stolen identities to call in fraudulent prescriptions.

His associates allegedly collected the drugs from area pharmacies.

During sentencing, Walsh offered words of encouragement for the 25-year-old artiste.

“I’m sure that in your future, once you’re done with your federal prison time, you can be really successful on federal probation and have a really bright future where you can reach your full potential in every aspect of your life,” he said.

YoungBoy, known for his 2018 debut studio album ‘Until Death Call My Name’ and projects like ‘AI YoungBoy 2’ (2019) and ‘Sincerely, Kentrell’ (2021), is also facing an unresolved federal gun case in Louisiana.

The rapper, born Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, recently announced plans to release his new album, ‘I Just Got a Lot on My Shoulders’, on December 6.

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Nancy Umeh welcomes third child via surrogacy after secondary infertility battle

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Nancy Umeh, the Nigerian chef and public health scientist, and her husband have welcomed their third child via surrogacy.

Surrogacy is when a woman carries and delivers a child for a couple or individual. This is done by fertilizing eggs from the surrogate or an egg donor with sperm from a donor to create an embryo.

In an Instagram post, Umeh shared a video capturing the process of childbirth. She said she opted for surrogacy because she battled “secondary infertility” for seven years after the birth of her last child.

Secondary infertility is the inability to conceive or carry a baby after previously giving birth without any assistance or trouble.

Umeh expressed her excitement while appreciating her surrogacy agency for the support. She also thanked the surrogate who she described as “an angel”.

“Our princess is here. Talia Tobechukwu Umeh,” she wrote.

“Too stunned to speak right now. I can’t believe we are parents again. Our last son is 8 years old and we have tried for 7 whole years.

“An angel carried our child for us. An angel sent from God through Meet Surrogate Mothers. I can’t believe we are holding our child.”

In an accompanying caption, she wrote: “Somebody pinch me. 7 years later. God bless you indeed Meet surrogate mothers. #parents again #secondary surrogate”.

The chef tied the knot with her husband in 2015. They now have three children.

Umeh is the older sister of popular Nigerian dancer Korra Obidi.

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‘It hurts’ — Don Jazzy laments not having partner

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Michael Ajereh, the Nigerian music executive better known as Don Jazzy, has lamented his relationship status.

In an Instagram post on Monday, the founder of Mavin Records expressed his desire to participate in a trend ‘suspect challenge’.

The ‘suspect challenge’ is a new social media trend in which couples take turns to playfully tease each other.

The 41-year-old entrepreneur said he would like to join the trend but has no partner.

“Suspect wants to do suspect challenge but no suspect partner,” he wrote. In the accompanying caption, the music executive lamented that “it hurts”.

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