Popular Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has found himself at the centre of a social media debate after he publicly praised officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA). The singer's commendation, intended to highlight their work during the busy festive season, was met with unexpected criticism, prompting a fiery response from the artist.
Praise for Festive Season Duty Sparks Backlash
On Tuesday, December 31, 2024, Timi Dakolo took to his social media platforms to acknowledge the efforts of LASTMA personnel. He noted that the officers had been working tirelessly throughout the month of December to manage the notorious Lagos traffic, especially during the holiday rush. Dakolo believed such relentless effort deserved public recognition and applause.
However, not everyone agreed with his sentiment. One social media user criticised the singer's post, suggesting that praising the officers for doing their job was as unnecessary as "clapping for a fish for swimming." This comment implied that the officers were merely fulfilling their basic duties, which should not warrant special commendation.
Dakolo's Fiery Clapback
The "Great Nation" crooner did not take the criticism lightly. In a sharp retort, Timi Dakolo fired back at the critic, telling them to be quiet. He questioned whether the individual understood the concept of working around the clock under demanding conditions.
Dakolo firmly stood by his original message, arguing that people who perform difficult and essential jobs, often in harsh environments like the Lagos sun, deserve to be praised when they execute their duties well. He emphasised that recognition serves as motivation and acknowledges their humanity beyond just being "government workers."
Mixed Reactions from Netizens
The online exchange ignited a broader conversation, with many Nigerians weighing in on the issue. A significant number of users supported Dakolo's stance.
Key supportive comments included:
- "Honestly, saw them at night conducting traffic in Lagos and it’s worth commending." - @olufunmiii
- "Like under the hot sun and heat .. they are there ❤️." - @khemmiesings
- "Nothing is wrong for applauding people for doing their job... we are humans." - @queen.olugbuyiro
- "...these guys have been working 24/7 !!! Kudos to them." - @carsonic.ng
Others, however, echoed the initial critic's viewpoint, arguing that working shifts is a standard part of many jobs, including in sectors like oil and gas, and does not inherently merit extraordinary praise.
Broader Context: Dakolo's Recent Online Engagements
This incident is not Timi Dakolo's first notable online engagement in recent times. Legit.ng had previously reported that the singer publicly called out O’tega Ogra, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Digital Engagement and New Media, for an alleged failure to pay for a completed job.
Furthermore, Dakolo was also involved in a separate online discussion with Apostle Femi Lazarus regarding whether gospel singers should charge fees to perform in churches. The singer maintained that artists deserve compensation for their work, highlighting a consistent theme in his public statements: the fair recognition and remuneration for labour and service.
The debate over praising LASTMA officers underscores a larger societal conversation about appreciating public service workers and the value of positive reinforcement, even for expected duties, in a challenging work environment like Lagos.
