Gangs of Lagos (2023) Movie Script

OBALOLA:
Eyo.
The guards of the highway of the dead.
Escort souls of departed Lagos kings
to the other world...
...and welcome home new ones.
They were the first gang in Lagos...
...so they are our most beloved Orisa.
Good afternoon.
(gun racks)
Why are you here?
(screaming)

(crying)

- (chicken clucking)
- (busy chatter)
(car horns honking)
(coughs)
Sorry, my dear.
Give me the bag.
How old are you?
Will you take this thing off my face?
Hey! Give him the bag.
I'm in trouble.
Please.
Take. It is gold. It is gold. Take.
(exclaiming)
OBALOLA:
Isale Eko is a jungle...
and here, everyone does what they must
to survive...

...whether you steal from containers
or you steal bags...

(lively chatter)
...collect unofficial taxes
on the streets...

(clamoring)
...run illegal bets...
Fight!
(crowd cheering)
...use struggling musicians to push drugs.

Ah-ah.
London, this guy can't do it.
I can do it.
- (clamoring)
- (horns blaring)
Ahn-ahn.
Money! Money!
- This is the major one.
- This one wants to travel to America.
(Gift shouts)
- Leave it.
- What?
She'll probably need it.
We shouldn't throw it away.
Ify! Use your brain! Use your head!
This could get us in trouble.
- I said no.
- (Gift grunts)
Are you the boss?
I am the boss.
No! I am the boss.
You who was afraid of that fat woman?
My father was a great king.
You have to listen to what I say.
Okay, then.
If you are the boss,
- Teni is my girl.
- GIFT: Ah.
What is it with you guys and this girl?
No problem.
You're the boss.
Thanks for having my back there.
That woman almost shit her pants.
You're my blood.
No one messes with my blood.
- How about me?
- Chill. You're our bro.
Street brothers for life.
(Gift laughs)
Street brothers forever.
Swear on your life!
Ew!
Why are you acting like a girl?
Am I not a girl?
No, you're a boy!
OBALOLA:
Whatever your racket was,
you had to pay a portion
to the Eleniyan in your area.
Ours was Alaye Baba Adekunle...
Alaye Bam Bam.
- Well done.
- Honestly.
(laughter)
OBALOLA: Alaye Bam Bam was the most famous
gangster in Lagos when I was a child.
He was the Eleniyan,
owner of men.
He had been involved
in every local election,
but now, he was retiring.
PND party.
They want 15 local governments
to win in the upcoming state primaries.
At the end of the counting,
all the votes...
will go to the correct party.
So that there will be only one winner.
That's easy, I swear.
You know we got this.
KZ.
I would like you to give Akinwale and I
a few minutes of privacy.
Chill out.
Baba.
I am tired of this street life, Baba.
Honestly.
I have gathered quite a bit of money.
Baba. I am ready to start a new business.
(chuckling)
Akinwale.
I know that you are still a young man.
But that does not mean
you should not be wise.
Listen,
don't be deceived by anyone.
In this life, there are only two ways out.
Number one, six feet under the ground.
Number two, you take your rightful place
in party politics.
Yes!
Look.
Let me tell you.
You are well on your way
to the kind of life that every aspiring,
young Isale Eko boy is dreaming of.
Listen, even Kazeem can't match you.
So you want to throw all of that away?
Huh?
You better wise up!
What is wrong with you?
(scoffing laugh)
Can you imagine that?
(Baba grunts)
Take it easy.
Thank you.
(speaks indistinctly)
Madam.
I'm sorry.
You said your bag was stolen.
If this happened in Isale Eko,
like you said, then relax.
Yes, sir.
Terrible!
Here's the bag. We found it.
That's him! That's him!
Woman, relax!
I'm sorry, sir.
OBALOLA:
I didn't know it at the time,
but these two men would be
the biggest influences in my life.
Get up.
Child of God.
What's your name?
There were two of them, sir.
The other one ran.
Where's your friend?!
What? I'll slap you so hard, you'll...
Terrible.
Baba.
It was just me, sir.
My name is Akande,
but they call me Obalola.
Really? Obalola?
How is that?
Who is your father?
Are you the son of a dead king?
Yes, sir.
- You're Ogunmola's son?
- Yes, sir.
Come closer.
Can't be true.
(Baba laughs)
You are your father's son.
Huh?
Look.
You know what we'll do?
You see,
you'll return the bag to her...
...because you don't bring harm
to your own people.
You understand?
Yes, sir.
But... she has gone to the cops.
Madam.
The police?
I just had to formally report
my missing passport.
Enough! No need to explain at all.
You see the police you reported to?
You'll go back to them,
and they will help you
find your missing bag.
Oh! I have upset you?
Terrible!
OBALOLA:
The rules of the street were simple:
Omo aiye never brought harm to Omo aiye.
Reporting to police was a no-no.
Obalola!
Teni.
Teniola! Put your head back in!
Obalola!
Obasco!
(chuckles)
Smart boy.
You've made a lot of money today.
Sir?
You can't play smart with me.
I'll just throw you a punch.
Look at me.
I know you didn't steal the bag alone.
You're just protecting your friend, right?
Why didnt you tell him?
Omo aiye never brings harm to his own.
So, what police station
did you see her enter?
I didn't.
So, how did you know
she went to the police?
It took her too long to come to tell Baba.
The police station
is just 15 minutes away.
(laughs)
Obasco!
You're no ordinary boy.
I see now that
you're truly your fathers son.
- Yes, sir.
- Wonderful.
But I need you to listen.
Thank you so much.
Thank you, sir.
I appreciate it.
What?
Thank you.
Well played, boy.
If you need anything,
ask for Ninalowo on Ricca Street.
- Ricca Street?
- Yes.
That's where Teni lives.
Kazeem's daughter?
(Nino chuckles)
I noticed you staring at her.
They live next door.
Thank you, sir.
MAMA OBA:
What are you doing here?!
Take your evil money and leave my son!
Madam, I was just talk...
Don't speak to me!
I don't want to hear your voice!
What did I do to you, this child?
Why do you want to ruin me?
But I won't let you!
I won't let the devil take your soul!
Do you hear me?
You know what?
We are going to the aladura!
No! Mummy, please!
- Don't let me slap you! Let's go!
- Mummy, please!
Mummy, please!
OBALOLA:
When I was a baby,
there was a premonition that
I would follow in my father's footstep.

It was said that I would not only become
a street king
but I would die young like my father.
My father took me to an Alagbara.
They marked my body for protection
and to ward off the spirits
of premature death.
My mother used to believe in the powers
of the Alagbara.
(bell clanging)
But then my father was killed.
- (man and group singing)
- (bell clanging rhythmically)
- (rhythmic slapping)
- (singing continues)
(singing echoing and fading)
My darling.
You know I'm doing all this for you.
I'm doing it so the evil spirits
in you can leave.
So I can rest knowing
you will live long and be prosperous.
Be strong.
The pain shows that God is working in you.
It is a sign that the battle is won.

(knock on door)
Obalola.
I wasn't expecting you so soon.
I'm looking for a place to stay.
Who did this to you?
Come... Come in.
Do we have a guest?
We have a son.
(sighs)
("Ma Jaiye Oni" by King Sunny Ad
playing, lyrics in Yoruba)
OBALOLA:
Ninalowo...
Money is for spending.
In this moment,
I was the luckiest boy in Isale Eko.
Nino was my father,
and he would spare no expense.
(song continues playing)
Obalola, come in.
Obasco.
All of this is yours.
I want you to sleep well tonight.
Don't worry about anything.
We'll talk tomorrow. All right?
Smart boy.
(Nino chuckles)
Obalola.
Obalola. Oba.
What are you doing here?
It's a long story.
Do you live here now?
Uh-huh.
Nino is my father.
Wow. Really?
- What about...
- KAZEEM: Teni!
OBALOLA:
Teniola Olaotan.
The only person I ever loved
more than Ify and Gift when I was a boy.
I woke up thinking of her
and went to bed with her on my mind
every single day.

- MAMA OBA: Bring my son.
- PRINCESS: What child?
Evil woman! How do you treat
your own child like that?
MAMA OBA:
Go in and bring my son.
PRINCESS:
Face me. Leave the small boy alone.
- NINO: Who's making all that noise?
- What are you going to do?
NINO:
Princess, come in. Come in.
- Look, bring me my child.
- What child?
I know you're hiding him,
so just go in and bring him to...
(sighs)
Oh, my Akani. My darling. Thank God.
Come, come, let's go.
I'm not leaving.
Leave these evil people. Let's go home!
I'm not leaving.
You have to leave the boy.
The boy says he's not leaving.
I dare you to step a foot in this house!
You are not leaving.
It is not a curse.
You see, this path your father took,
this is the same path your father took
with these evil people,
these criminals.
This is the same path you want to follow.
This path?
Will lead to your death.
Enough!
Never will you speak to this boy
in that way again!
OBALOLA:
I never saw my mother again.
But I didn't mind.
Nino was showing me a world
bigger than I ever dreamed.
Have you ever been to a house like this?
This is where rich
and important people live.
One day,
we would live in a place like this.
They don't have two heads, right?
(both laugh)
OLOROGUN:
Akinwale.
How are you?
You wait here.
I'll be back.
OBALOLA:
Olorogun Araba.
Number one political godfather
in the southwest.
Olorogun owned a piece of every business
that mattered in Lagos,
from the ports to the banks.
And this election,
Olorogun had bought everybody.
For those who fell out of line,
Nino and Kazeem dropped the hammer.
Obasco!
(Nino laughs)
Oba!
Oba!
I want you to wait for me in the car.
Whatever you do, don't leave this car.

(man screams in distance)

(screaming in distance)
(screaming in distance)
They didn't tell me anything!
Stop screaming.
(sobbing)
(blades scraping)
- Please.
- Shh.
(sets down blade)
Listen,
I can keep cutting you from now
till the sun comes up.
I won't even get bored.
Listen, you will pray for death,
but you won't find it.
You won't die till I'm ready to kill you.
(screaming)
My ear!
Obalola!
I told you to wait in the car!
Nino, you brought a child here.
I couldn't leave him alone at home.
KAZEEM:
It's all good. (laughs)
Looks like the kid
has the stomach for this.
Holding a knife to that child's neck?
(Kazeem laughing)
The dead king's son.
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Look, he was born for this life.
No one is born for this life.
(fingers snap)

OBALOLA:
Word on the streets was that Ninalowo
had become Olorogun's favorite son
and that he would soon be Eleniyan,
owner of men.
Everybody had a request or the other
and Nino had a heart for the people.
His door was always open.

It's been seven days.
No one has seen her.
We have given the police all our savings,
but they are too scared
to go and search that place.
Please help me.
That man promised her
that he will take her to London,
but we have heard that he uses
people to smuggle drugs.
Please help me.
(woman sobs)
You should have come to me earlier.
I didn't know better.
I know London very well.
If your daughter is with him,
I'll get her out.
- (upbeat music playing)
- (lively chatter)
London!
London!
Where are you?!
(music and chatter stops)
Who's the mad man
barking like a dog in my club?
NINO:
You're talking to Ninalowo.
The girl in this picture,
she's my child, and I heard you have her.
Yes, she is here.
The girl in the picture
and all the other girls here,
they're all bought and paid for.
Not this girl.
Listen.
You can look out your windows
if you please.
I came with an army.
I either leave with the girl
or we all die here tonight.
- Arrow.
- Baba.
Go get the whore so these
bastards can get the hell out of here.
London... till we meet again.
You know what that means, right?
Get out of my club!
And you, knockoff white man.
Fuck shit up.
("Funky Fuji"
by Wasiu Ayinde Marshal playing)
(Nino speaking Yoruba)
OBALOLA:
It was the best of times in Isale Eko.
It was raining election money,
and my new father
was about to become Eleniyan.
You could feel the excitement
in the streets.
Everybody loved Nino.

TENI: I said I'm happy
that you joined my school.
My former school
shouldn't be called a school.
I was the one teaching my teachers.
(laughs)
You are very intelligent, though.
I'm sure you want to become an engineer
or something like that.
I want to become a lawyer.
Barrister.
(chuckles) Yes.
And a SAN and then a judge.
So I can sentence all those
wicked politicians to life in prison.
But they are your father's friends.
No, they are not.
They are just pretending.
They are just using him.
I know my daddy wants to be a politician.
That's the dream for every Eruku.
You start on the streets,
work until you are Eleniyan.
Owner of men, the capo,
then you can retire in politics.
That was my dream, too, but Nino said no.
He says I have head for book.
That I should become an economist
like that CBN governor.
Or a writer like Wole Soyinka.
I like that.
You can be the CBN governor,
and then I'll be the Chief Magistrate.
And I'll be the biggest musician!
(Gift groans)
You?
So, wait... So...
So you don't believe me?
- I'll even be bigger than 2face.
- Yes, indeed.
- And I'll be his manager.
- (laughs) We know you like money.
Anyway, I'm the best swimmer.
Never!
(playful chatter)
No! Stop it!
(kids screaming playfully)

NINO:
For the kids and you.
For me?
(shouts happily)
Look at me. Look at me.
(shouting happily)
NINO:
Obasco!
Are you enjoying your food?
Well done. I'll see you later.
Yes, sir.
(Nino chuckles)
Smart child.
Thank you. God bless you.
- You're welcome.
- Goodbye.
Take it easy.
(both chuckle)
Nice guy.
OBALOLA:
But nothing good lasts long in Isale Eko.



(crowd clamoring)
(grunts)
(clamoring continues)

(man screams)
(yelling)

(Kazeem yells)
OBALOLA: In Yoruba land,
they say kings are never buried alone.
Nino must have been a great king.
The streets of Isale Eko
flowed with blood.
At least a hundred men were buried
the day he was killed.
(bird caws)

We came here every year
of the anniversary of his death.
But with each passing year,
I struggled to remember his face.
A lot has changed in 15 years.
No Nino. No school for me and my guys.
So Kazeem became our father
and he put us to good use.
IFY:
Mama, we protect you.
- Omo ibo, you are back.
- Mama, we protect you.
(Ify chuckles)
You don't have...
Anyone, just give it to me.
What is it?!
Money, money, money every time!
- Pay up.
- You like money.
Hey, look who it is.
- Mummy.
- Ify.
Mummy.
What did you just do?
Ify Collector!
Mummy.
- How are you?
- Mummy.
What?
That's Kazeem.
Don't let him hear you call me that.
That was in his time.
This is your own time now.
You're the boss now.
Let me give you some corn.
Leave the corn.
I'm here for Kazeem's money.
- Really? How are you?
- Yes, Mummy. I'm fine.
Mama Nkechi... come...
(chuckles)
This is Mama Nkechi.
Yes.
She doesn't have the money for this month.
Ha!
Relax.
She will pay you next month.
I guarantee you.
I know, but Kazeem
doesn't want to hear stories.
The elections are here,
and he's not being merciful.
That man is too greedy.
Mummy, be careful what you say.
The walls have ears.
But it's true.
If he and Olorogun collect everything,
what will the rest of us eat?
But Kazeem provides protection.
What protection?!
My son protects me!
You will protect me. Ify the collector.
Collector, protector!
- Mummy, I know what you're doing.
- It is working.
Where is Wemimo?
Aren't these Kazeem's boys?
There's trouble!

Lunatics!
(grunting)
(straining)
(yells)
(man groans)
(man screams)
- (grunts)
- (screams)
Wemimo.
If you don't come out right away,
I'll blow your head off.
Please. My brother, please.
Brother Wemimo, hope all is well.
Don't you dare.
Everything is fine.
OBALOLA:
Not much has changed since Nino died.
Still the same old men ruling us,
even older now.
Olorogun got tired of being a kingmaker
and decided he wanted to be king.
("Koleyewon" by Naira Marley playing,
lyrics in Yoruba)
Fuck, fuck that shit, like that shit
Fuck that shit,
me, I like that shit...
Bring the money.
Count it! Is it complete?
- It is complete.
- That's a good boy.
(horns honking)
(song fades)
How much?
Do you want to be unfortunate?
Get out of the car!
I'll kill you.
Please have mercy. It was the devil.
When you meet the devil,
you can explain that to him.
What's up?
Please have mercy.
- Alaye.
- Eruku.
Please have mercy.
Please, please.
I'm finished!
NEWSCASTER: Some will say
you're the underdog in this race.
The PND has held hold of Lagos State
since 1999.
What do you have to say about this?
And are we not tired? We're tired.
You there, you're talking to me.
Are you not tired?
You're tired.
You just don't know how to say it.
We've had enough.
We're done. We don't want you any longer.
Is it right... is it right that a family
will hold the whole state hostage
for the past 20 years?
This is not a monarchy.
And they keep using our children
for political thuggery.
Why can't they use their children?
They keep their kids abroad.
Our children keep dying every day.
Why?
They keep transferring public funds
into their own personal...
She's all talk. Don't be bothered.
We own the streets.
(Kazeem grunts)
(laughing)
Wemimo, Wemimo.
Is that you?
How are you?
Come on, don't be sacred.
Relax, feel at home.
Come sit. (laughs)
Sit.
(Kazeem laughing)
Wemimo. Wemimo. Relax.
Come closer. Don't be shy.
You cannot steal from my collections.
Five million dollar. (laughs)
And then you suddenly lose your voice.
Actually, sir...
it was a miscalculation...
- Really?
- Yes, sir.
A miscalculation?
You know what?
I'm inclined to believe you.
A miscalculation.
Yes, sir.
But you know I have eyes and ears
everywhere.
(Wemimo gasping)
Mr. Man, go inside.
- (Wemimo screams, shouts)
- (Kazeem laughing)
Wemimo, Wemimo.
I'm finished!
(Wemimo screaming)
(Kazeem laughs)
I'm finished!
How's it going?
- Have they come for their meat?
- No, they haven't.
- They haven't come.
- Please!
Come this way.
Please, sir.
Please.
- Wemimo.
- Sir.
Do you still maintain
that it was a miscalculation?
(whimpering)
I'll confess.
- I did it.
- You did it?
I did it.
But, sir, it wasn't me.
It was an evil spirit. It was madness.
(laughing)
An evil spirit.
A miscalculation.
(grunts, gasps)
I'm a butcher's son.
I have been butchering both animals
and humans since I was a child.
Next time when someone
sends you to steal from me...
...you either kill them yourselves,
or...
...in the words of Jesus Christ...
...bring them to me.
OBALOLA: Isale Eko had never seen
a bloodier election season.
Kazeem was Eleniyan,
anointed by Olorogun after Nino died.
So he went after all Olorogun's enemies.
Every rat, traitor and thief.
(chuckles)
Obasco.
Sir.
(laughs)
(sighs)
Well done.
Your friend is coming back.
- Teni?
- Yes.
You see, this election is
going to get really tough.
It will get really tough.
I told her not to come home,
but the girl is too stubborn.
That's Teni.
I've found her a job on the island.
A friend of mine offered her a job.
So I've bought her a flat.
But...
I want you to be her personal bodyguard
and her security person.
Nothing can happen to Teni.
She's all I have.
Nothing will happen to her.
(Kazeem chuckles)
I trust you.
That's why I chose you.
Take this.
Who should I give it to?
It's yours.
For what?
Use it to take care of yourself.
This is too much.
Come on.
You're like a son to me.
Ninalowo's son is my son.
So if I don't take care of you, who will?
Hmm? (laughing)
Obasco.
(lively chatter)
(food sizzling)
(horns honking in distance)
(sighs)
50,000 naira.

OBALOLA: They say you don't need
to go to school to work in San Francisco.
All you have to do is learn how to code
and you can make a lot of money.
After Kazeem wins his election,
Ify would have gotten his record deal.
And me? (speaks Yoruba)
I'm leaving Nigeria for good.
I just need to raise the funds.
- (lively chatter)
- (engine rumbling)
(dance music playing,
Ify singing in Yoruba)

I'm on fire...
(song continues in Yoruba)

(crowd singing along)
- (cheering)
- (song continues)
(Ify rapping in Yoruba)
I hear you want to talk?
- That's right.
- Go on.
I have a bulk shipment of coke, and you're
the only one I trust to deal with it.
Have you guys lost your minds?!
In my hood?!
- (people screaming)
- (music stops)
In my hood!
- Have you lost your minds?
- Kashope!
- Calm down.
- Oba!
Take my name out of your mouth.
- Calm down!
- Have you lost your mind?
It seems you have lost your mind!
I'll hit you with...
- (gunshot)
- (people screaming)
Hands up!
Calm down.
Bringing a gun to a knife fight?
Relax!
Relax!
Barman, for the damage.
I dare you to try me.
Calm down! What if you shoot and miss?!
You'll just die for nothing. Try me.
See his head like a goat's head.
Why don't you say it in Yoruba? Bastard.
He said your head looks like
that of a goat.
- Filthy witch!
- Demon!
- I'll smash your head in.
- I'll mess you up!
OBALOLA:
Kash.
Kashope Obasegun.
Ekun's son.
When Nino died,
some of his trusted guys went their way
and formed their own gangs.
But Ekun's betrayal was worse.
He joined London's gang.
We should have beaten Kashope.
He's such an idiot!
Your house or your mother's house?
She won't do anything.
Ifeanyi!
Ifeanyi, so you're here.
Look at this bastard.
I've been looking everywhere for you.
Who is this?
You better run.
He'll get you pregnant then disappear!
Ifeanyi, you.
You did this to me, Ifeanyi.
- (Blessing laughs)
- Let me explain.
What exactly do you want to explain?
How you didn't show up at the hospital?
You then sent your stupid friend
to bring me 50,000 naira.
Worthless money. 50,000 naira.
How dare you?!
I was scared. A baby is a lot.
A baby is a lot?
Blessing!
What sort of rubbish talk is that?
Do you know where I live?
Do you know where I sleep?
Do you know where your child...
Leave me alone!
My landlord kicked me and your baby out.
I sIept in the streets for two days.
It won't be well with you.
Blessing, look at me. Calm down.
(Blessing sniffles)
Take us to where you're staying.
You're moving out tonight.
Ify will do right by you.
Even if I have to break his head.
Do you hear me?
I swear to God, I will.
To God who made me.
Why didn't you swear in Satan's name?
You stupid idiot.
No need to kick a man
when he's already down.
I hope this doesn't
land you in trouble someday.
Nonsense person.

(Mama Ify singing joyful song)
(singing continues)
My boy! My boy!
Just look at how handsome my boy is.
Look at his perfect little nose!
We will name him
after your father,
Ikechukwu David.
Yes! Just like his father!
(Ify laughs)
Like his mother, too.
So, you see, my boy...
he will cause problems.
(laughter)
OBALOLA: I knew what it was like to live
without a father and an overworked mother.
Life in Isale Eko was already hard enough,
No child should have to experience that.
Listen, babe...
Once my music blows up,
I'm going to marry you.
(laughter)
Lies!
- See, I swear...
- Shut up over there and stop swearing!
(laughter)
Even your mum knows you're lying.
OBALOLA: I wish we could have
just stayed like this.
Guys, I'll never forget
what you guys did for me this night.
I'll never forget it for my life.
Thank you.
- Are you teasing me?
- I'm not.
Street brothers for life.
- (Gift laughing)
- (Obalola blows sharply)
GIFT:
That's disgusting!
OBALOLA: For the first time
since Nino died, life was good again.
Our dreams of leaving this life behind
felt so close.
Things just kept getting better.

Obalola!
Teni.
Are you going to let go of each other?
Are you bound?
They're acting like in an Indian film.
Is this really you?
It's been ten years.
Are you sure you went to America?
Where's the accent?
What silly accent?
There's nothing in America.
I'm just an Isale Eko girl.
- Ebun!
- Eruku!
I'm loyal!
You're so local!
Are you sure you went to the real America?
I'm local and proud!
- Igbo boy!
- My crush.
- My sugar Banana.
- My boo.
My baby boo-boo.
- Igbo boy.
- My boo.
What are you wearing?
(Teni laughing)
He's a baby daddy now.
What happened?
I have so much to tell you, you won't
believe what happened with this boy.
Obasco!
Sir.
Tenilola.
(Teni chuckles)
(Kazeem sighs)
Daddy look at Obalola oo,
he's all grown up.
Look who is talking.
Don't you know you are all grown up, too.
(Teni and Kazeem laugh)
- Good morning.
- Oba.
Good morning. How are you?
Remember the house I told you
I bought for Teni?
That's where you'll take her.
I've sent you the address.
I have it.
Sorry, careful with the boxes.
I have expensive things there.
She's the apple of my eye.
- Do you hear me?
- I'll take care of her.
I trust you.
Bye, Daddy.
(sighs)
The both of you are going
to run an errand for me.
Come on, let's go!
Igbo boy... you're with me. Hmm?
- Let's go.
- Yes, sir.
Why do you always dress like a man?
(Gift scoffs)
Why does your mouth stink so bad?
Just because I joke around with you?
Don't do that with me.
You better ask why they call me Terrible.
I'm warning you.
You are probably sleeping with Eleniyan.
So he asked you to join us.
This job we're going for
isn't child's play.
You need to be smart!

OBALOLA:
Kazeem and Olorogun were preparing
for the most contentious election season
Lagos had ever seen.
(chuckling)
Olorogun never loses an election,
even if victory has to be bought in blood.

Ah-ah.
(laughs)
This is beautiful.
Daddy really out did himself... Okay!
Wait.
How many people will live in here?
(Teni laughs)
Don't be silly. I know it's big.
I think Daddy bought it as an investment,
you know, so I have something
to fall back on.
Views! Hey, fully furnished!
(Teni chuckling)
OBALOLA:
It even has a balcony.
TENI:
Ah-ah.
I love it!
(Teni laughs)
Teni, do you really own this house?
Technically, it's my dad's
but he bought it in my name.
OBALOLA: It won't be well with the person
that killed my father.
So we Eruku on the streets
are gathering for Kazeem.
See how he and his own are enjoying.
(Teni continues indistinctly)
We all knew Kazeem was a greedy bastard.
But this is Banana Island.
(Teni laughs)
Come. I want to show you something.
TERRIBLE: Move it! Move it! Move it!
Move it! Move it!
Move it! Easy.
GIFT:
I should go with you!
Who will stay on the look out
if you come with us?
Look, just because the boss trusts you,
doesn't mean I do.
I don't trust you.
- I don't trust you.
- (clicks tongue)
Let's move!
Let's move!
(engine starts)
("Alowo Ma Jaiye" by Ebenezer Obey
playing, lyrics in Yoruba)
- (song continues over stereo)
- (singing along)
Ify, I have some good news for you.
- Really, sir?
- Yes.
Remember that producer
you've been wanting to work with?
I've spoken to him and he says you should
come and perform for him this weekend.
(both chuckle)
Thank you, sir. God bless you, sir.
That's enough.
Don't prostrate whilst you're driving.
Look where you're going.
(Kazeem laughing)
Thank you, sir.
I won't disappoint you.
You wouldn't dare.
(men and Kazeem conversing)
Panama.
Alaye.
The gubernatorial candidate yesterday
announced her defection
to the opposition party, NNP.
It is a year from the election
and the battle between
Mrs. Bamidele Olanrewaju
and Olorogun Agba is too early to call.
(door opens)
Eleniyan.
Good afternoon, sir.
(grunts)
- How are you?
- We're fine, sir.
Boys! Pack up!
You've already cut off my hair.
What's going on?
I've been waiting for over 30 minutes.
You haven't even done my friction.
I said get the fuck out of here!
We're closed!
Sorry about that, sir.
Now you leave.
Uh-huh. (clears throat)
I knew my eyes weren't deceiving me.
It's been 16 years.
Ah-ah.
But you're a coward.
We could have met anywhere.
Why would you choose to ambush me here?
Wherever we are
is where the battle is fought.
Or have you forgotten my promise
that we would meet again?
If you weren't a coward,
we wouldn't be meeting here.
You know you're no match for me
so you ambush me here.
Only traitors have something to fear.
If you've done nothing,
you have nothing to fear.
(London chuckles)
Your loyalties are misplaced.
Olorogun will betray you.
And you will betray the hand that fed you?
Tajudeen, for what?
For this ordinary woman?
Someone that is going nowhere?
Isn't it time Olorogun's reign ended?
After over 20 years of ruling over Lagos.
His time is up! He should leave.
KAZEEM:
Such a pity. You have forgotten.
You've forgotten that you were
roaming the streets...
(laughing)
...like a mad man.
High off your mind on all sorts of drugs.
Then Olorogun found you,
took mercy on your wretched soul
and changed your life.
Now you think you can meddle
in the affairs of Lagos?
Shut the fuck up!
Where the fuck are you from anywhere?
You bastard with no pedigree.
I was born here in Lagos Island,
My family house is on Campos Street.
Who the hell is your father,
you fucking bastard?!

(men clamoring)
- Why are you running?
- I'll still get you.
You are running. You are mad.

(phone vibrating)
Pick it up.
It's Pana. I'll call him back.
TENI:
Oh. Okay.
I remember the day
you moved into Nino's house.
(both laughing)
I remember, too.
I was going through so much back then.
But then I saw you...
and my mind felt at ease.
So... you liked me that much?
Are you messing with me?
(Teni laughing)
You knew I liked you.
But you're ahead now.
I'm sure you met big guys in America.
Guys that went to University.
Not guys like us
that didn't finish secondary school.
None of that really matters.
Look at my dad, one day he's going
to become the governor of the state.
What education does he have?
Really? What education does he have?
What happened to you?
(Teni laughs)
(Obalola laughs)
You used to be all about going to school.
All to what end?
Power is what really matters.
Power.
A million and one people
willing to die
for a cause they know
absolutely nothing about.
Power.
How do you wield this power?
Eruku.
Exactly.
Girl, you've changed a lot.
Really? I thought you said
I was the same Teni from Isale Eko.
Nah, I was foolish to think that.
You're your father's daughter.
(Teni laughs)
(Islamic call to prayer playing
over speakers)
(horns honking)
Wait here for Eleniyan.
(sighs)
Ify.
How are you?
Well done.
You impressed me yesterday.
You made me proud.
You held your own as a man should.
(Kazeem chuckles)
- Yes, sir.
- (sighs)
There's something I need you to do.
What is that?
You've heard the news.
Yes, sir.
So you know we can't have anyone talking.
Sir, I would never.
You?! Oh, I wasn't worried about you.
But... the barber.
I need you to take care of him.
I don't understand, sir.
What don't you understand?
Take care of him.
Make sure he can never utter a word again.
Yes, sir.
When you're done, come to the club
so you can perform for the producer.
- Tonight, sir?
- Of course.
You're not ready?
No, sir. I'm ready.
When you're done,
come and meet me at the club.
Thank you, sir.
Listen, no need to thank family.
I take care of my own...
...and I expect loyalty
in return.

(knocking on door)
Who is that?
Guy, I've been calling you
since yesterday night.
Where were you?
You want to spoil my door.
I was driving Teni around.
Kazeem killed London.
What?
I swear, the barbershop, the fat guy.
BJ?
Yes. So we get to shop
and I think Kazeem wants a haircut.
Next thing you know, London is reading
a newspaper, one person says something,
and before you know it,
Kazeem just shot the guy.
Maybe Olorogun ordered it.
It's already on the news.
They went into a barber's shop,
and shot him.
If anybody, anyone should attack
a member of my team, you have attacked me.
And this is for our opposition.
This state, it is not your birthright!
I'm a Lagosian. I was born here.
We are not afraid of you!
And we will not back down!
I'm offering a reward
of five million naira.
Same night he arranges
for me to meet the producer.
Kazeem?
Keep up! Yes, Kazeem.
Calm down!
How can I calm down?
As we were leaving, I see Kash.
He saw me.
Don't worry, Kash is Ekun's son.
Even though he's a fucking traitor,
Ekun will not touch Nino's son.
And they know you can't kill a Capo...
when you're not mad.
Look, lay low till tonight.
We'll go together to the barber.
Will you kill him?
Oba, I talk a lot of shit
but I've never killed before...
Calm down! We're not killing anyone.
Unless he's being unreasonable.
We'll convince the barber to leave Lagos.
For his own good.
Then tomorrow morning,
we'll go and see Ekun.
Stop shaking. Take your phone.
(Ify panting)


- What's up?
- You should come with us.
To do what?
I'll bring you something.
- Teni.
- Huh?
Please don't stay too long.
I've heard you.
(phone ringing)
Hello, Pana.
IFY:
Where are you? I have eyes on BJ.
Fuck!
Pana, don't do anything till I get there.
Just wait for me. Wait!
(lively chatter)
("Handbag" by Lano Roy playing,
lyrics in Yoruba)
Pana, where are you? He's here!
Really? I'll be there soon.
Make it fast.
(laughter, playful chatter)
I'll call you.
Bye, ladies.
- I got you duck...
- Teni, get in the car!
Why are you raising your voice at me?
I don't have time for this,
get in the car now!
(engine starts)
Oba,
what's the problem?
What have I done to you?
Not everything is about you, Teni.
Well, obviously something is wrong
and instead of you sulking
and taking it out on me
let's talk about it.
(clicks tongue)
(sighs)
Really? You want to talk?
Okay, let's talk.
Let's talk about how your father
has all of us in the streets,
collecting from everyone,
no matter how little they have,
so you guys can live like kings.
Have you seen how big your flat is?
It's big enough for 30 people!
You want us to talk, right?
Let's talk!
Let's talk about how your father
sends young boys, barely teenagers,
to die every day on the streets.
For what?!
So your family can have power!
You sit there comfortably in the back
and watch me drive you every day.
Me, Obalola Akande.
You're okay with me being your driver
and security, right?
I don't have hopes and dreams, right?
My friends... people I love,
who's going to protect them?
Oba... I didn't ask for this life.
(laughs softly)
You didn't ask for this life?
Oh, but I did?
"Oh, I didn't ask for this life, Oba."
(Obalola sucks teeth)
Rubbish talk.
(tires squealing)
Oba!


BJ:
Risi, is that you?
Did you forget something?
(gun racks)

Do you remember my face?
Please.
I've done everything you've asked me to.
Kazeem said I would be a protected man.
(panting)
Thank you! Thank you very much!
Look, the kind of shit you're in,
the people looking to kill you,
if you're ever seen again,
you and everyone you care about
will be hunted down and killed.
I swear to you, I'll disappear.
You'll never see me again.
I swear.

(silenced gunshots)


Teni!
Teni!
(coughing)
Teni!
Teni!
- Teni! Don't be scared.
- (Teni screaming) -(gun racks)
Hey, calm the fuck down!
Leave her, take me instead.
MAN:
Who the fuck are you?!
(screaming continues)
Touch me one more fucking time,
I'll shoot your head off.

(screams)

Gift.
Where are you?
They're calling your name.
ANNOUNCER:
Welcome on stage, Panama!
- Panama!
- GIFT: Pana!
- Pana!
- Where is Panama?
ANNOUNCER:
Panama, where are you?
DJ play some music!
(crowd shouting)
Put your gun down or we'll shoot your guy.
Teni, don't listen!
(man whistles)
(engine starts)
(gasps)
Sorry.
(groans)
You're bleeding.
It's nothing.
Let me take a look at it.
(Obalola groans)

I'm so sorry.
- I'm so sorry. I'm so stupid.
- Teni...
I should be apologizing.
If I hadn't been talking all that shit...
...I wouldn't have gotten distracted.
If anything had happened to you...
I would have...



(grunts weakly)
(gurgling)
(gun racks)
(siren wailing in distance)
Pana!
(panting)
- Pana!
- Pana!
BLESSING:
Ify!
BLESSING:
Ify! Ify!
Ify!
Oba, pick up your fucking phone!
Oh, my God. Pana!
Pana!

(whimpers, screams)
(screaming)
Ify!
Ify!
(sobbing)
(chuckles softly)
If ten-year-old Teni and Oba
saw us right now...
what do you think they would say?
(both laughing)
It's Gift and Pana you should worry about,
they would so make fun of us.
(both laughing)
- Fuck!
- What is it?
What's the matter?
Oba, say something. What's the matter?
(keys beeping)

(phone line ringing)
Gift, where's Pana?


Where were you? Where the fuck were you?!
You were supposed to be with him?
Where the fuck did you go?!
(screaming, sobbing)
He was all alone.
He was all alone.
(panting)
(Mama Ify sobbing)
(screaming)
(sobbing)
(screaming, shouting)
OBALOLA:
They had taken the best of us.
All our dreams of leaving Isale Eko...
and this life... died that night.
Now...
there'll be no turning back.
(church bell tolling)
They killed my son.
When they killed his father...
...I didn't complain.
I accepted it.
I accepted it.
I accepted it.
Who am I to question God?
Who am I?
But you see...
...this one, I will not accept.
I will not accept.
Look at my son's face! Look at him!
They wanted to cover the coffin
but I refused.
All of you must use your eyes. to see what
they did to my son.
My own child.
The God who fights for me.
The God who conquers all my battles.
The God who listens and answers me.
The God who wages war
against those in battle with me.
Arise and fight for me. The time is now!
For all those involved in my son's death!
They shall fall one after the other.
For one scar, ten men shall fall.
For one scar, ten men shall fall.
Isale Eko must not know peace.
I said it!
Isale Eko must not know peace
until the wrath of God is felt!
(panting)
Ifeanyichukwu...
show no mercy.
Ifeanyichukwu, show no mercy.
My God. The apple of my eye.
Show no mercy.

(clamoring)
(yelling)
(Gift yells)
(clamoring)
(grunting)
(man screams)
Kash!
Ekun!
If you know you're men, come out here.
Come and finish what you started.
I hear a dog barking.
- I'm here.
- On our turf.
Come and finish what you started.
You're a fool.
Boys, show no mercy!
(men shouting)
- (yelling)
- (clamoring continues)

- (grunts)
- (screams)
(gasping)
(choking)
(grunting)
OBALOLA: Ify's murder had called for blood
and the streets answered.
Not since Nino's death
had Isale Eko felt so hot.
I can see you're ready to meet your maker.
You're a tough guy, right?
You smell like death.
You smell like death.
I'm ready to die,
but I'm taking you with me.
No need for weapons,
I'll kill you with my bare hands.
Let's go!
It seems you are unfortunate.
(grunting)
You! You! You!
Help me take off my chain.
(panting)
(groaning)
- You broke my ice!
- You can't stand me.
(Obalola groaning)
Bloodclat!
(groans)
(grunting)
Bruce Lee! You need to calm down!
You godforsaken traitors. How could you?
How could you kill one of Nino's children?
Really?
Where did you hear that I killed him?
You're going to pretend you didn't
see Pana outside the barber's shop?
Cowards.
You couldn't get to Kazeem,
so you killed him.
Pana. Harmless Pana.
Are you dumb?
Is your brain empty?
This from you.
Oba, this from you?
When you were a child, Nino used
to tell us all how intelligent you were.
That you were smart beyond your years.
Looks like the hot sun
has burnt off your brain.
- Don't take me for a fool. I'm not one.
- Really?
London was the head of your gang.
This was payback.
EKUN:
You're being childish. You're not smart.
Use your head. Use your head.
Who killed London?
Eleniyan.
Who sent Ify to kill Bolaji the barber?
- How do you know about that?
- Answer my question.
- Eleniyan.
- Ah-ah.
Now we're getting somewhere.
Let me tell you how it went down.
EKUN:
When we eventually found the barber,
he told us all that happened on that day.
I went to Olorogun and insisted
he sanctioned Kazeem's death.
Olorogun called us to a meeting.
Kazeem said it was London
who drew his gun first.
He said Ifeanyi panicked and shot London.
I knew they were lying.
But it was obvious they had determined
to make Ifeanyi take the fall.
You enemy is closer to you than you know.

EKUN: You know how these things
happen on the streets.
And eye for an eye. Blood for blood.
They agreed for Terrible
would kill Ifeanyi.
But if they failed to do so,
- we would capture Teni.
- (whistles)
Why do you think we let you go that night?
You thought an angel intervened?
Set him free.
When you're ready to take on Kazeem...
...I have an army, we'll stand by you.
Understand?
You know I don't like you for shit,
but Kazeem's time is up.
Get up.
Get up.
Alaye.
Eruku.
(siren passing in distance)
I'm sure Ifeanyi would have made it.
He had just recorded a new track
to perform that night.
I can't believe he's actually gone.
(sobs)
Omo aiye never brings harm to his own,
but they killed Ify.
What was his crime?
Pana who just wanted to have a good time.
They butchered him
like an animal in the streets.
I know Kazeem is insane,
but not with family.
And that fucking bastard Terrible!
(Obalola speaks Yoruba)
Kazeem is not my family.
I'm going to kill them all.
They broke the rules so all bets are off.
Everyone who cut him,
held him down, even those that watched.
I'll take revenge.
(Gift sobs)
Even if it costs me my life...
...I won't stop till Kazeem is dead.
(Gift sobbing)

Move and I'll blow your brains off!
What's the meaning of this?!
How dare you?! Have you gone mad?
Rosy, come and take your money.
You're part of this? You set me up?
If you want to kill him,
please don't stain my sheets.
I have another customer coming.
Leave!
You! You set me up.
Help me. Help me!
Open your fucking mouth!
(whimpering)
Please don't kill me.
Please don't kill me. Please.
Please don't kill me. Please.
Gift says you know where Kazeem
stores his shipment of weapons.
Yes, I know where it is.
It's across the river. Across the river.
I'll do whatever you want me to do.
Please, I'm sorry. Don't let me die.
Shut the fuck up!
Look at him. Fucking bastard!
- Come out here!
- (Terrible whimpering)
(Terrible groaning)
(man shouting)
I'll blow your head off.
(Terrible groaning and muttering)
I'll blow your head off.

MAN:
Who are you? What do you want...
(gunshot)
(gunfire)

(Terrible crying softly)
Oba, what are we waiting for?
Let's waste this motherfucker.
Wait... I know something
you will want to know.
Oba, this snake is lying.
Terrible, speak, I'm listening.
I need your word you will have mercy on me
when I tell you this.
Oba, if you don't kill this bastard,
I'll kill him myself.
Ebun, stand down.
Terrible, relax, you have my word.
I am sure you've heard the stories
about how loved your father was,
but your father
didn't like Olorogun one bit.
He knew Olorogun wanted to rule Lagos
for his own selfish gains.
So he threw his weight behind
Bamidele's father.
Which Bamidele?
The one running for governor?
Exactly.
Your father had a lot of influence
and everybody knew Olorogun
was going to lose the election.
That's where Kazeem and Olorogun's
unholy alliance was born.
It was then Olorogun
sent Kazeem to kill your father.
(screaming)
(crying)
- (men singing)
- (lively music playing)
(panting)
It was a bloodbath.
They killed Bamidele's father,
Ify's father
and anyone else
who was loyal to both of them.
And Alaye Bam Bam?
Who do you think took Kazeem to Olorogun?

For Pana.

(bottle shatters)

(phone ringing)
(line ringing)
(kids laughing and chattering playfully
in distance)
Keep it down!
(ringtone playing)
Hello?
Mummy, this is your son.
Oba.
Hello, Mummy.
I don't know that name.
Mummy, it's Akande.
I said I don't know who you are.
Mummy, please don't hang up.
You may never hear my voice again.
Mummy, I know those who killed my father.
I swear I'm going to kill...
Hello, Mummy.

OBALOLA: You can only lead people
with terror and fear for so long.
One day,
their eyes will open to their power
and there would be no hiding place
for the wicked.
Ekun brought together all gang leaders
from all around Lagos.
From Isale Eko to Oshodi.
Ikorodu to Mile 12.
Mushin to Fadeyi.
We all united to change
the face of the streets.
Take out the old dogs
and pump fresh blood.
Even if it will cost us our lives.

(no dialogue)

OBALOLA:
Alaye London was a real son of Isale Eko.
A chief.
And so the Eyo masquerades
came out to escort his spirit home.
(band playing lively music)
(singing in Yoruba)
(band joins in)
(singing continues)
(singers join in)


(music slows, continues distorted)


- Teni!
- (rapid gunfire)
(clamoring, screaming)
(shouting)
(woman speaking urgently)

Kazeem!
- (clamoring)
- WOMAN: Go! Run! Run! Run!

Traitor!
Your day of reckoning has come.
(chuckles)
It's over.
Drop the gun and fight me like a man.
I don't need a gun to kill you.
I'll kill you with my bare hands.
(laughs)
You silly little boy.
You really think you can defeat me.
- You killed my father.
- Your father was a fool.
A fool who wanted to give up everything
so the people would love him.
Well, nobody loves you.
I don't need their love.
I'm a leader.
A leader does what is necessary.
(Kazeem yells)
- (gunfire continues)
- (urgent chatter)
WOMAN:
Run! Run!
(grunting)

(yells)
(ears ringing)
Silly boy.
You don't have what it takes
to seek revenge yet. (groans)

(Kazeem panting)
You've killed all my loved ones.
All because you want to rule Lagos.
- My son please.
- I'm not your son.
(groans)
Butcher's son.
Gangster.
Thug.
Street rat.
There's nothing I haven't been called.
(grunting)
Well, this butcher's son
is going to rule over Lagos.
So it wasn't London...
...it was you who killed Nino.
You're such a disappointment.
I've always thought you had
what it took for greatness.
That you had the courage.
I thought you had plans
to be Eleniyan like me.
But you're just like your father.
Send my regards when you get to heaven.
(gun racks)

(gunshot)
Greet them yourself.
(clamoring continues)
(Teni screaming)
(screaming continues)

(clamoring)
OBALOLA: We had to lay low for
a few months until everything blew over.
A few arrests were made
with minor charges.
Palms were greased.
But it wasn't a hard sell.
Olorogun and Kazeem
had made too many enemies,
so many were happy to see them go.

Kadara...
Destiny.
Who decides where we are born?
The life we have?
It was written in the cards
that I will never leave this life
and go to San Francisco.
It is my destiny to stay in Isale Eko
and protect the ones I love.
(chuckles)
(speaks playfully)
It is my destiny to follow
in the steps of my fathers.
That I, too, will become Eleniyan,
Owner of men.
And we will finish the work
our fathers started.

Oba.
This is your face.
- My governor.
- (laughing)
In nine months.
They can't stop it.
Not in this lifetime!
(both laugh)


("On Fire" by Chike playing,
lyrics in Yoruba)
I'm on fire...
(song continues in Yoruba)



I'm on fire...
(song continues in Yoruba)

(song ends)