Charlyboy’s unavoidable absence from the Lagos okada rally: A case of ingratitude

We write to respond to the ongoing criticism from different quarters, particularly the Lagos state Okada’s Association and other affiliate bodies who took part in the just concluded Lagos-Okada protest against the Lagos State government for the ban placed on Okada in over 40 major roads in the state.
Lately, we have received calls from concerned Nigerians, asking us why the brand has remained mummed over the matter. In reasonable terms, we would like to respond by asserting that after having examined the nonchalant attitudes of the Lagos state Okada riders, coupled with the unimaginable ingratitude that characterize their union, as well as the factions and leadership insubordination, we resolved that the brand’s schedules and time were more precious than the Lagos-Okada rally.
Even as the brand and its managers do not subscribe to the ban on Okada, which will leave thousands of struggling Lagosians jobless and impoverished, we cannot align with a detached Association with such dysfunctional approach towards their own welfares.
In the light of the above, we would like to state that Charlyboy has in the past, shouldered different overwhelming responsibilities of the Okada people. Lagos has always been the point of reference, not only because of the population of Okada riders in the state, but also because of the visibility of the brand for over 20 years. Lagos no doubt was the cradle of the Charlyboy’s Okada phenomenon.
When the state government moved to ban commercial motorcycles from Lagos in 2002, Charlyboy was the only social activist who stood on their behalf to negotiate with the Government. His negotiation with key actors in government compelled the state government to rescind its decision. Hence, instead of banning Okada from the state, a big sensitization rally was held on Okada safety. Even though, few Lagos Okada riders have shown appreciation over his constant intervention in their matters, majority of the Okada riders have refused to see this, and have continued to allow the spirit of ‘Oliver Twist’ to use them.
It was his interest for the Okada riders, and his attempt to make the Okada business a more lucrative and reputable venture that he collaborated with the Simba Motorcycle to empower over 1000 Okada riders. The brand has parted with personal funds worth N100M over the years in his effort to empower Okada riders. In their normal character of taking almost everything for granted, they have never for ones been responsible for his flight tickets each time he goes out to join their rally anywhere across the country, neither have they been responsible for his hotel accommodation and feeding. His fight cuts across the country. Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Port Harcourt, and a host of other states have benefited from the Areafada’s gestures.
We would like to remind the Lagos branch of the Okada body who appear to have forgotten so soon, how over 500 Okada riders acquired their bikes on higher purchase through Charlyboy. We believe they could not have forgotten this so soon.
We would like to also remind the same Okada riders of the recent visit of the Areafada and some of the leaders of the Lagos State’s branch of the Association to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police’s office just 4 months ago. It was out of his love for the Okada people that he suspended his overseas’ trip and personally went to the commissioner to speak with him on the challenges of the Lagos state motorcyclists. After that day, many Okadas and their bikes were release from police custody.
On our part as the brand handlers and managers, we had made serious arrangements towards the success of the Lagos State’s rally. This is because we understand the feeling of the brand towards the Okada people around the country.
We would like to assert that due to the rally, Charlyboy’s tour to the United Kingdom was cut-shut and he returned even before the expiration of his tour, getting set to lead another very important segment of his constituency in a rally.
However, unfortunately, all the arrangements towards the involvement of the Areafada in the rally were being handled by some of their leaders who had assured that they were on top of the arrangement. We had high hope on them. Regrettably, they did not get back to us promised. Most disheartening was their nonchalant attitude towards the entire preparation. It was ironical, and a case of lack of commitment and ingratitude for the same people who were to get back to us on the possibility of the Areafada’s trip to Lagos to have called to confirm whether the Areafada was in Lagos. Even as mischievous as the caller sounded, it was ridiculous, and an indication of an unorganized leadership. We could have made an urgent arrangement for the Areafada’s trip, but the last call from the organizers clearly communicated to our team that the organizers of the rally as well as the leadership of the Okadas in Lagos are not truly committed to the course of the Okada people. We had used the development to envision what the rally was going to look like.
It was on this premise that management resolved that it was rather going to be a waste of the brand’s useful time to allow him set out on the journey despite his tight schedules.
We would like to aver that it was the highest level of indiscipline, selfishness and irresponsibility for the Lagos state branch of the Okada Association not to have afforded a round trip ticket of N60, 000 for Charlyboy to lead them in a protest they had considered the only available means and option to compel the Lagos state government to rescind its decision.
This singular act has communicated to us that the Okadas are not grateful for all that the brand has done for them in the past 27 years, hence we were left with the option of compelling the brand to stay away from the rally against his wish. We are happy that he listened to us.
Even though we were responsible for the absence of the AraeFada from the rally, the Lagos-Ikeja branch of the Okada Association must be blamed for our action, hence we plead that all questions regarding Charlyboy’s absence from the rally must be directed to the leadership of the Association.
We would like to reiterate that with what we experienced at the course of the preparation for the rally, there is the need for the Ikeja branch of the Okada Association to reposition and reorganize their leadership just for the progress of the Association.
On our part, we will continue to encourage the Areafada not to relent, and to keep his eyes on the welfares of the Okada people as this last action will not be considered a major reason to discard the constituency he has so much passion for. We therefore assure all Okada riders in Lagos and across the country to continue to rely on Areafada’s support as he is always ready to join them anytime he is called upon.
Thank you and God bless you.
Adoyi Ali, Charlyboy’s Press Secretary.