Pedalling Through Time: The 75-Year-Old Ice Cream Vendor Who Refuses to Quit
In the bustling heart of Lagos Island, where the streets never sleep, one man has quietly defied time, hardship, and the odds for over 57 years—armed with nothing but a bicycle, sheer determination, and an undying work ethic.
At 75 years old, Oladimeji Lawal, affectionately known as “Felele” or “Pandy Joe,” still pedals through the ever-chaotic roads of Lagos, selling ice cream to generations of schoolchildren and residents. While many of his peers have long retired, he continues to ride, not out of passion alone, but because he has no pension, no retirement plan, and no financial safety net.
From a Young Cycle Boy to a Lagos Island Legend
Born in Ibadan in 1950, Lawal’s life took an unexpected turn in 1968 when he was hired as a cycle boy for an ice cream business. His exceptional riding skills landed him the job, but it was a tragic accident in Ibadan that altered his course. Encouraged by customers, he moved to Lagos in 1969, hoping for better fortune.
The move paid off—for a time. Business was booming, and in the golden years of ice cream vending, he earned enough to rent an apartment in Maroko and even buy land—a crucial step toward securing his future.
But fate had other plans.
In 1990, his dreams crumbled overnight when the military government of Raji Rasaki demolished the entire Maroko community, rendering thousands homeless—including Lawal. His hard-earned land was gone, and with it, his hopes for a comfortable future.
A Lifetime of Pedalling, No End in Sight
As ice cream sales declined in the late 1980s, reality hit hard—Lawal had no retirement benefits, no savings, and no way out. By the time he realized this, he was already in his 50s, too late to start over. The bicycle became both his burden and his lifeline.
While some of his former customers became successful, he remained on the streets, witnessing the city evolve around him. Some of these prominent figures even bought him a new bicycle when his old one gave out, but Lawal never once resorted to begging.
“The only benefit we get from the company is a raincoat every ten years,” he lamented. “They used to repair our bicycles, but not anymore.”
Dreams of a Shop, A Hope for Rest
Now at 75, age has caught up with him. He takes more breaks, his body weary from decades of pedalling. But he still dreams—not of wealth, but of a small shop where he can store ice cream and soft drinks, so he doesn’t have to roam the streets all day.
“If I don’t ride my bicycle for a day, I feel weak. My body is already used to it.”
A Man of Honor, A Life of Sacrifice
Despite the struggles, Lawal refuses to be a burden to his children, insisting they focus on their own lives. He has outlived his wife, lost everything he worked for, yet still wakes up every morning at 8 a.m., mounts his bicycle at 9 a.m., and pedals until sundown.
And while others chase riches, Lawal holds onto something far more profound: his name, his dignity, and his unbreakable spirit.
“At least, I am not begging for alms,” he says with quiet pride. “For that, I give thanks to God.”
A Cry for Help or A Story of Resilience?
Pa Lawal’s story is as inspiring as it is heartbreaking. It is a testament to hard work, sacrifice, and the brutal reality of life without financial security. The question remains: Will society step in to help this Lagos icon finally rest, or will he pedal until the very end?
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