In a heart-wrenching twist that has shocked fans and sparked nationwide debate, popular luxury car influencer Ola of Lagos finally speaks out after his cherished showroom in Lagos State gets bulldozed, with a viral video capturing the dramatic moment. This isn't just about lost property—it's a story of resilience, government actions, and the fine line between rule enforcement and personal dreams. Stick around to discover how Ola's turning this setback into a comeback, and you'll see why this incident is dividing opinions across Nigeria.
Ola of Lagos, whose full name is Waris Olayinka Akinwande, is a well-known figure in Nigeria's car scene, often sharing glamorous insights into high-end vehicles like Ferraris and collaborating with stars such as Wizkid. He broke his silence in response to the demolition of his car showroom in Lagos. On October 11, clips emerged online showing the exact second his business was razed, with rumors pointing to the Lagos State government as the orchestrators.
But here's where it gets controversial: While some see this as necessary urban planning or safety enforcement, others cry foul over what feels like abrupt justice. For beginners diving into Nigerian news, these demolitions often stem from laws against structures under high-tension power lines or in unauthorized zones, but they can hit hard when businesses are established and thriving. Imagine building your dream enterprise, only for it to vanish overnight— that's the reality Ola faced, and it raises big questions about empathy in governance.
In a heartfelt series of updates on his Instagram account, Ola reassured his followers that his operations are still running strong. He announced plans for a bigger and improved showroom, set to open soon, emphasizing that his brand existed before the physical location and would endure. Grateful for the support from well-wishers, he reflected on past hardships, noting how he's persevered through significant financial blows—losses so substantial they could have bought him a fancy apartment in Ikoyi's upscale neighborhood. Yet, with a positive spin, he chooses to keep moving forward.
"OOL Autos New Showroom coming soon…Bigger and better insha Allah. We’re still active! We’ve been before our physical showroom, and we’ll always be. Omo, these calls/messages are much, thank y'all though I’m good. I promise I’m smiling at the moment too haha. Been chesting losses for long. Losses that will comfortably get me a bedroom apartment in Ikoyi. Man will just reason it all, smile, thank God, come online to drop motivation, show love, then keep going…. All is well ooo haha…"
Here's a snapshot of Ola's Instagram reaction for context:
And if you haven't seen it yet, the viral video of the demolition is a must-watch below:
As the story spread, social media erupted with reactions, compiled here for a closer look at the public's take. Users expressed a mix of sympathy, critique, and calls for accountability.
DeeVoidElder shared: "Just saw the news about the demolition and honestly, it’s painful to watch. We understand the government has rules to enforce, but the way this was done, so sudden, with little warning, leaves hardworking Lagosians struggling. Years of effort, money, and dreams can’t just disappear in a day. Laws are important, yes, but so is empathy. Enforcement shouldn’t mean crushing lives overnight. Governance is about people, not just power."
Temitope0x pointed out: "Na under powerline the showroom Dey." (Meaning, the showroom was located under power lines.)
N6oflife6 reacted: "Dey couldn’t even pity the same Ola that went to India to do CNG PR for Them. Sad." (Referencing Ola's promotional work for compressed natural gas initiatives in India on behalf of interests.)
Witchdoyze commented: "If na Igbo person get this showroom then you go don hear agenda. We don’t care who owns it here. If you break law you go down we don’t care." (Suggesting that if the owner were from a different ethnic group, like Igbo, there might be more outcry or bias, but ultimately, laws apply equally.)
Lumide0b noted: "The location under high tension electric masts was called out the first day he unveiled the showroom In his videos. The evil day has come within a year unlike some that get decades before the government finally remembers they shouldn't have allowed construction in first place." (Highlighting that risks were apparent from the start, and action was faster here than in other cases.)
Akadazzle1 questioned: "It's under high tension power lines. Can those who granted the approval from Ekedc to Eti-Osa LG to LASG staff be held to account?" (Calling for scrutiny on officials from Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Eti-Osa Local Government, and Lagos State Government who might have approved it.)
And this is the part most people miss amidst the drama: Ola's spirits lifted with some great news. He celebrated receiving a generous N20 million gift from music mogul Don Jazzy, the head of Mavin Records. Sharing the joyous update, Ola thanked Don Jazzy profusely and received congratulations from fellow influencers, colleagues, and fans, adding a silver lining to his tough week.
All in all, this episode underscores the challenges of running a business in a bustling city like Lagos, where infrastructure and regulations can clash with entrepreneurial ambitions. For newcomers to these stories, it's a reminder that while laws protect public safety—like avoiding hazards under power lines— the human cost deserves thoughtful consideration. But is the government's approach fair, or does it sometimes feel too harsh? And what about those whispers of selective enforcement based on ethnicity or influence? These are the debates raging online, and they highlight a broader conversation about balancing order with opportunity in Nigeria.
What are your thoughts? Do you side with Ola's optimistic outlook, or do you think the demolition raises valid concerns about accountability? Is this a case of "rules are rules," or should there be more compassion in government actions? Drop your opinions in the comments below—we'd love to hear differing views and spark a meaningful discussion!
