13/07/2025
THE GREEDY MECHANIC
Chinedu had just bought his first car — a used Toyota Camry. To him, it wasn’t just a car; it was a symbol of progress. After years of managing public transport and okada rides under the rain and sun, this car was his reward.
Wanting to give it the best care, he asked around for a “trusted” mechanic. Everyone pointed him to Mr. Felix, a popular mechanic known for his big workshop and charming smile.
At their first meeting, Felix had the right words.
“Ah, Oga, na small thing dey worry this motor. Just small servicing, change oil, plugs and you’re good.”
Relieved, Chinedu handed over the car and money — ₦50,000 for parts and labor. Three days later, Felix called:
“Oga, as I open engine, I see say the crankshaft don bend. If we no change am now, e fit scatter everything.”
Alarmed and inexperienced, Chinedu asked what it would cost.
“Na just ₦120,000. I go help you manage am.”
That began a painful cycle. Week after week, it was one new issue after another: the radiator, the gear, the suspension, even the “airbag sensor” — things Chinedu barely understood. But each time, Felix assured him it was urgent and necessary.
After spending nearly ₦300,000 in total, Chinedu finally got the car back. It ran — but only for two weeks. One morning on his way to work, the car je**ed violently and refused to start.
Frustrated, he called another mechanic — a quiet, less popular one nearby.
After inspection, the man shook his head.
“Oga, most of the parts wey dem say dem change still dey here — old, rusted, and untouched. Even your ‘new’ crankshaft na the original wey come with the engine. Dem just clean am small.”
Chinedu was silent.
He felt heat rise in his chest — not from anger alone, but from the pain of being deceived. All his sacrifice, the joy of car ownership, the pride of hard work — reduced to tears and frustration by one man’s greed.
That day, Chinedu swore never to blindly trust again.
And from that bitter experience, he learned three lessons:
• Not every loud mechanic is a good one.
• A greedy hand can destroy what took years to build.
• Always ask for the old parts they remove — even if you don't understand them.
Now, when people ask him for advice on mechanics, he says one thing:
“Na who no chop your eye, na him go fix your engine well.”😂