On May 17, 2025, Nigerian singer Omah Lay was involved in a car accident in Lagos involving his two Tesla Cybertrucks.
Fortunately, he emerged unscathed, but the incident has sparked discussions about the suitability of electric vehicles (EVs) in Nigeria’s unique environment.
Trust Nigerians, they wasted no time in drawing their own conclusion.
As the reactions kept pouring in, one caught our attention. “Elon Musk don do fake Tesla for Nigeria”, a tweep said, adding more fuel to the already burning fire.
The Incident
The accident occurred on Lagos Island and involved Omah Lay’s two Tesla Cybertrucks. Videos shared by UK-based music executive Adesope ‘Shopsydoo’ Olajide showed the damaged vehicles being towed away.
The exact cause of the accident remains unclear, but the incident has raised eyebrows about the practicality of such vehicles on Nigerian roads.
Electric Vehicles In Nigeria: A Square Peg In A Round Hole?
Tesla’s Cybertruck is designed for advanced road systems and infrastructure, which Nigeria currently lacks.
Also Read: Omah Lay’s ‘Boy Alone’ Album Surpasses 1 Billion Spotify Streams
The country’s roads are often riddled with potholes, and the charging infrastructure for EVs is virtually non-existent. This raises the question: Are such vehicles practical for Nigeria’s current state? Or was that X user right with his/her suspision?
The Elon Musk Factor
While Elon Musk’s Tesla has revolutionised the automotive industry, the suitability of its vehicles in different global contexts is debatable.
The Cybertruck’s design and functionality may not align with the realities of Nigerian roads and infrastructure. This incident with Omah Lay’s vehicles brings this issue to the forefront.
Omah Lay’s accident serves as a wake-up call for both consumers and policymakers in Nigeria.
It highlights the need for a critical assessment of the country’s readiness for electric vehicles and the importance of developing infrastructure that supports such advancements.
