Ola of Lagos Educates Car Spotters on Respectful Spotting Amid Lagos Crackdown

https://x.com/damiadenuga/status/2089646380562120797?s=46

In a recent viral video widely circulating on X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms, popular Nigerian auto influencer and entrepreneur Ola of Lagos (real name Waris Olayinka Akinwande) was seen at the Ikoyi roundabout offering practical guidance to a group of young car spotters. The clip, shared around August 17–18, 2026, shows him encouraging the enthusiasts, clarifying that they are genuine car lovers rather than “agberos” (street touts), and demonstrating how to pursue their passion without causing a nuisance or obstructing traffic.

The timing is notable. Just days earlier, Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat had publicly described certain forms of car spotting as “criminal,” vowing to remove such activity from the streets. Authorities cited concerns over road obstruction, potential harassment of drivers, privacy breaches, and security risks, with CCTV footage already used in some arrests and identifications. A follow-up statement from Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab reinforced this stance: spotting is acceptable at car lots, but lingering on roads to film or approach vehicles will not be tolerated.

Ola of Lagos, who built his career from similar beginnings, positioned himself as a mentor during this moment. He started as a cleaner and laborer in upscale areas like Lekki and Ikoyi, earning modest wages before buying a basic phone and approaching luxury-car owners for reviews. His energetic, slang-filled style (“It’s plenty,” “Stop playing”) went viral around 2019, boosted by shares from figures like Tunde Ednut and support from Davido. He later founded OOL Autos, transitioning from street spotting and content creation into a dealership, endorsements, and building a multi-million-naira brand. Many of today’s spotters cite him explicitly as inspiration.

In the recent footage, Ola is shown advising the young men on proper conduct, staying clear of roadways, avoiding obstruction, maintaining distance, and focusing on legitimate enthusiasm rather than aggressive approaches that could lead to conflict or official intervention. He reportedly confirmed their role as car spotters (not touts) and shared parts of his own origin story, framing the activity as a legitimate passion that can lead to opportunities when done responsibly. Separate clips circulating on the same day also show him addressing other well-known figures in the scene (including references to Lekki Car Guy, YL, and Olutimi) on proper inspection and spotting etiquette amid online debates.

Public reaction has been largely positive towards Ola’s intervention. Supporters praise him for “not removing the ladder after climbing,” validating the hobby while pushing for better standards that could reduce harassment by security and help the community avoid a full ban. Critics of the broader crackdown argue the government should prioritize more disruptive street nuisances, while others note that aggressive or obstructive spotting has truly become a problem in high-traffic luxury corridors like Ikoyi and Lekki. Some posts frame Ola’s advice as a practical “way forward” that balances passion with public order.

Car spotting itself is a global hobby—photographing or filming interesting, rare, or exotic vehicles—but in Lagos, it has taken on a distinctly local flavor. Fueled by visible wealth inequality, social media influence, and the allure of supercars in a city marked by extremes, it has grown from informal roadside enthusiasm into a visible subculture. For some, it remains pure passion; for others, it has blurred into expectations of tips, recognition, or content opportunities. Ola’s rise demonstrated that the latter path can work when combined with consistency, charisma, and professionalism. His latest appearance suggests he wants newer entrants to learn the sustainable version of the craft rather than the one now attracting official heat.

Whether this guidance changes behavior on the ground remains to be seen. Lagos authorities have indicated zero tolerance for road obstructions and privacy violations. Spotters who adapt, shifting focus to dealerships, organized events, or less intrusive methods, may be able to preserve the culture. Those who don’t risk becoming the targets the government has promised to eliminate.

Ola of Lagos, once just a boy on the roadside, has used his platform to model a more refined approach. In doing so, he has reminded a new generation that the same streets that launched him can still offer opportunity, provided they navigate them with respect for the rules of the road and the people who own the cars.