Released April 7, 2023, Gangs of Lagos directed by Jadesola Osiberu and written by Osiberu and Kay Jegede is arguably Nigeria’s first gangster epic film.
More faction more than reality plot-wise, Gangs of Lagos offers a gritty view of life in the streets and ghettos of Lagos ruled by the rich elites and political figures who run the kingpins that pits one gang against the other, bent on keeping them oppressed whilst reaping off their servitude that oftentimes comes at a greater prize – their lives.
It is the story of Obalola (Tobi Bakre), Ify (Chike) and Gift (Adesua Etomi-Wellington) that upon the murder of their adoptive father joined a gang. With the start of election campaigns, the three friends are drawn into gang wars that drive them to fulfill their destiny.
The movie is said to be reflective of what played out in the nation’s recent elections, and a detailed perspective of the impact of the politics of supra god-fatherism on the metropolitan city and in extension the country.
