He was 44 years old and is survived by a wife and two very young children. He was buried on Sat January 29th.
May his soul rest in peace...amen.
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
Lagos big boy Tonye Boma Claude-Wilcox dies in bike accident
He was 44 years old and is survived by a wife and two very young children. He was buried on Sat January 29th.
May his soul rest in peace...amen.
R.I.P.
ReplyDeleteMy God in heaven, what's his wife going to do now? :( May his soul RIP. And guys please think of your loved ones in all you do...this is so sad
ReplyDeletemy thots are with his family.
ReplyDeleteHe was a PH boy, rumuibekwe estate precisely.
Quite a few people i know knew him and they are still so sad. May he rest in perfect peace. Ihiala (Anambra) is a notorious town for accidents. I know people who pray over that area when they are travelling by road to the East. Food for thought perhaps.
ReplyDeletesoo sad.
ReplyDeleteRIP Bodie.....you died doing what you loved. Rode till the end. the ERMC will miss you sorely....I still ride in ur honour. Rode to and from PH for ue burial in ur honour. Biker 4 life!
ReplyDeletewhy anyone would be biking for the fun of it on terrible naija roads is beyond me! homeboy just died for nothing
ReplyDeletesassycassie
so very sad. God give them(his family and love once)the heart to bear the lost.
ReplyDeleteTonye may your soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.
ReplyDeletegoing by what some dumb sassycassie wrote....we should not leave our rooms at all in naija because of all the myriads of problems we have..kidnappers,muderers, robbers, no hospitals etc.
ReplyDeleteNo one dies for nothing! God in his infinite grace decides when we go.
sassycasie has a point.
ReplyDeleteLol @ dying for nothing... so who do you know that has died for something? People are born to die, plain and simple...
ReplyDeleteRest in peace. I will never forget you MBM.
ReplyDeleteI knew him years ago. He was a friend in uniport. I've been so saddened by his death and pray his soul finds solace in the bosom of our lord. Having said that though, it is a dumb idea to ride a bike interstate in naija. It is dangerous enough in advanced countries with good roads, organised traffic, sophisticated emergency services and health care. But to do this in naija is just plain dumb.
ReplyDeleteMay he RIP
ReplyDeleteIhiala kwa? Ihiala is in the east...
ReplyDeleteYou let go of childish indulgence when you have a wife and kids to feed. SAD!
ReplyDeleteLiving in Nigeria must be a dumb thing to do....
ReplyDeleteI saw you; pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk. But, you didn't see me, trying to put a smile on the faces of other children.
I saw you, change your mind about going into the restaurant. But, you didn't see me, attending a meeting to raise more money for the motherless children.
I saw you , roll up your window and shake your head when I rode by. But, you didn't see me, riding behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.
I saw you, frown at me when I smiled at your children. But, you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.
I saw you, roll your eyes at our leather jackets and gloves. But, you didn't see me, and my brothers donate our old ones to those that had none.
I saw you, look in fright at my tattoos. But, you didn't see me, cry as my children were born and have their name written over and in my heart.
I saw you, change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere. But, you didn't see me, going home to be with my family.
I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. But, you didn't see me, when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.
I saw you, yelling at your kids in the car. But, you didn't see me, pat my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me.
I saw you, reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road. But, you didn't see me, squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.
I saw you, race down the road in the rain. But, you didn't see me, get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.
I saw you, run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. But, you didn't see me, trying to turn right.
I saw you, cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in. But, you didn't see me, leave the road.
I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass. But, you didn't see me. I wasn't there.
I saw you, go home to your family. But, you didn't see me.
Because, I died that day you cut me off.
I was just a biker. A person with friends and a family. But, you didn't see me.
Re-send this around in hopes that people will understand the biker community.
If you don't re-send this, all I can say is it sucks to be you. I hope you never lose someone that rides.
EVEN IF YOU DON'T LIKE US, RESPECT OUR RIGHTS TO RIDE WHAT WE CHOOSE AND TAKE A FEW EXTRA SECONDS TO BE SURE WE'RE NOT IN 'YOUR' WAY LIVE TO RIDE . . . RIDE TO LIVE
.
Damn!!!!! I love Ani's poetry...neva knew anyone could write better than me...lol.
ReplyDeleteAnyways,for odaz...
U drive,i ride,doesn't make u flyer dan me.
Uve got doors,av got none doesn't make u safer dan me.
Uve got four wheels av got two,dosnt make u a better handler.
Uve goh a bugatti i goh a ducati doesn't make u slicker
Uve goh V8 i goh 1000cc can neva make u faster
Just know we both share a lot in common...
U goh wheels n so do i
U goh engine n so do i
U use Naija roads n so do i
U human n so am i
U goh a life n so do i
I die n so shall u...
...Deres no use throwin blame or faults of carelessness at anyone...we both are in a terestial world which bears no immortals.U luv Чυя ride,i luv my bike. And jst bcos dere are numerous aeroplane crashes dosnt mean i should swim across d Mediterranean to get to USA...sori,i'll still take a plane anytym. So let's live life so life may not LEAVE US.
RIP Tonye...
Its sad, but really we must try nd consider certain things that we do for fun. For me i think it was a huge risk travelling that distance on a bike (thats like 8hrs with a car). Fatigue will set in and this can lead to loss of concentration.
ReplyDeleteI understand the need for members of the bikers club to pay respect their own way, but i think you guys are a bit elitist and can afford to buy a truck (the best of the tundras and their like) to convey the bikes over long distance commitments.
You might say that going that distance on a bike is not a big deal and you guys do it more often, but the truth is that its very risky. The fun is in the risk i'll hear you say, but not when you have a wife and kids at home. You have a responsibility to keep yourself safe for the sake of your loved ones who might not get over your demise in their lifetime irrespective of what provisions you've made to take care of them when you are gone.
I have a bike, and i'll never go that distance on it. I'll not join the club cos i dont want anyone to make me do what i dont want to do cos of the bravado.
R.I.P. Tonye, hope we'll learn.
I can feel ur pain Ani, I lost mum when i was 15 with 6 siblings to carter 4. One must die one way or the other. May his soul rest in peace.
ReplyDelete@ Ani....It is a great thing to have a hobby one is very passionate about. It is an excellent idea to belong to a community where one shares experiences with like minded people. It is to be encouraged as I believe it brings an added richness to life. I love bikes myself. Used to ride years ago before it became a popular hobby. I am a woman but truth be told, if I was in naija, I would like the idea of belonging to such a group. BUT all things within REASON. Just because one loves biking does not mean common sense has to fly out the window. Interstate biking in Nigeria as a sport is a dumb idea.
ReplyDeleteI concur witrh Anonymouus 11.43
ReplyDeleteAnonymous@8.10 Nuff respect!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous@9.34 Wise Words
Can't blame a guy for doing what he loves. Tonye has done all the West african countries and was planning for 13 european countries this summer.
He just loved to ride...
The first question i asked when i heard how he died was where was his wife when he was taking off & i was told he was separated. Never underestimate the power of a woman/wife/mother. If he had a wife at home, he may have chilled down with biking. He was a dare devil/speed racer and it cost him his life. They say it's the things we love most that will kill us. So sad. May he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteHaving a wife and kids does not mean someone should become a prisoner.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing inherently wrong with riding a bike ANYWHERE and statistically speaking, a biker is not more likely to die than a person walking the street who gets hit by a car.
I've been riding in naija since the early 90s, and all I can say is to each his own. We all have to go one day, and as long as we're happy with who we are, that's all there is to it...
Death comes whether we are safe or careless.It comes. Some Humans will rather have us play safe and die. Some would rather ride rough and die. So to each his own.
ReplyDeleteWhen we meet BABA on the other side we'll ask HIM what's the best way to go.
People ! people!! people!! This is not the time to Judge !! People that loose that lives in Car crashes, where they not safely tucked in the comfort of thier cars? The young man is gone , sadly... , lets sympathise with his friends and family and stop analysing what we know nothing about!! RIP TONYE!!
ReplyDeletesad. brought tears to my eyes
ReplyDeletesee oh! Fred Omame another biker is dead. Heard he was riding and was hit, been is S.A receiving treatment, for 1 yr, came home fell into a coma and died. So pissed.
ReplyDeletewow!! May God comfort the family.
ReplyDeleteEverything I wanted to say has already been said. Sorry but lets be wise people, Nigerian interstate roads arent even safe for cars let alone bikes. Any SE and SS person who lives in Lagos and has travelled many times down the road, knows how horrible they are!!! All you people saying he died doing what he loved, I'm sure if he had been given an option of death or to fashi and not ride to Calabar, he would have taken the latter!!!
Wow! May his soul RIP.
ReplyDeleteDrivers in naija need to be cognizant of riders. The way some people in Lagos drive when they see people riding their bikes is so scary. (Riders also have families you know).
And riders also need to take more caution(as far as i know and have seen, they do so).
This is just too sad.
Firstly the whole story is wrong that's not what happened and I think the only thing right about this story is that he passed on , pls guys try as much as possible to get your facts right before u put up any right up .
ReplyDeleteNb ... I was with him on that ride and I saw it all.
I agree wit u,ihiala obviously wasnt were it happened & a few of us who kno wat happened at d time kno it was tonyes time.........he was a jolly good fellow who died doin wat he loved best.....i will continue riding in ur honour Bodie....Biker for life.
ReplyDeleteTee may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace Amen. What really matters is who you were and the life you lived! You were a great man and every passing day, I thank God for the times you were in my life and the things you taught me. Till we meet again, Sail on baby!
ReplyDeleteWe still miss you son.....
ReplyDeleteI am a medical professional, i ride bicycles and just placed a order for a power bike for the fun of cycling,ease of getting around lagos and because of traffic.
ReplyDeleteThe following are points to ponder on:
1.Cyclists(bicycles and motorcycles) have the highest risk of dying on the road -simply because they are exposed and their bodies will easily hit the tarmac or be run over by another vehicle(car,bicycle,truck or motorcycle),irrespective of how many protective gear you wear.
2.Naija roads are bad and this often compounds/multiplies the risk and brings it into geometric proportions.
3.All vehicle users are supposed to keep the recommended speed limits for expressways in Naija. I go on 3rd Mainland and see people speed like they are in a death race.
4.Guys are risk takers and love to really speed because we have testosterone- its in the blood.
I am a man, and can thus confirm that the tendency in us is really high.Therefore everyman has to exercise a lot of restraint-especially in Nigeria. The risk is lower for developed countries because of certification of road users, the enforcement of speed, limits and good roads.
Please correct me if i am wrong.We are yet to hear of the death of a female biker.
A popular lagos female biker gave this as one of the reasons why she formed a female bike club.She confirmed that it was always difficult keeping up with guys on rides because of "that drive" that guys have.
My recommendation is that all bike clubs should ensure that they respect and comply with speed limits for expressways (110km/hr) and use lower levels for other types of roads.All vehicles are supposed to comply - IT IS THE LAW.
You cannot be doing 110km/hr or above on Eko Bridge, its not an expressway.
Regulatory authorities should enforce speed limits for intra-city roads for all vehicles
We live in a country where about 50%(being modest) of vehicle users have not been properly certified to drive or ride.
NB:I am not in support of commercial motorcyles (okada)because their is a financial incentive tied to overspeeding.Someone who is late for a meeting or work gets on an okada and orders the Malo to fly.
Most bikers in Nigeria are elites- educated and informed people. I believe bikers can make this change.Bikers should please downplay that tendency to exceed the speed limit.
I love bikers and want to see more people use motorcycles for commuting.
BIKERS, WE CAN MAKE THIS CHANGE.
I am a medical professional, i ride bicycles and just placed a order for a power bike for the fun of cycling,ease of getting around lagos and because of traffic.
ReplyDeleteThe following are points to ponder on:
1.Cyclists(bicycles and motorcycles) have the highest risk of dying on the road -simply because they are exposed and their bodies will easily hit the tarmac or be run over by another vehicle(car,bicycle,truck or motorcycle),irrespective of how many protective gear you wear.
2.Naija roads are bad and this often compounds/multiplies the risk and brings it into geometric proportions.
3.All vehicle users are supposed to keep the recommended speed limits for expressways in Naija. I go on 3rd Mainland and see people speed like they are in a death race.
4.Guys are risk takers and love to really speed because we have testosterone- its in the blood.
I am a man, and can thus confirm that the tendency in us is really high.Therefore everyman has to exercise a lot of restraint-especially in Nigeria. The risk is lower for developed countries because of certification of road users, the enforcement of speed, limits and good roads.
Please correct me if i am wrong.We are yet to hear of the death of a female biker.
A popular lagos female biker gave this as one of the reasons why she formed a female bike club.She confirmed that it was always difficult keeping up with guys on rides because of "that drive" that guys have.
My recommendation is that all bike clubs should ensure that they respect and comply with speed limits for expressways (110km/hr) and use lower levels for other types of roads.All vehicles are supposed to comply - IT IS THE LAW.
You cannot be doing 110km/hr or above on Eko Bridge, its not an expressway.
Regulatory authorities should enforce speed limits for intra-city roads for all vehicles
We live in a country where about 50%(being modest) of vehicle users have not been properly certified to drive or ride.
NB:I am not in support of commercial motorcyles (okada)because their is a financial incentive tied to overspeeding.Someone who is late for a meeting or work gets on an okada and orders the Malo to fly.
Most bikers in Nigeria are elites- educated and informed people. I believe bikers can make this change.Bikers should please downplay that tendency to exceed the speed limit.
I love bikers and want to see more people use motorcycles for commuting.
BIKERS, WE CAN MAKE THIS CHANGE.
Ride your bike but like those who also drive their cars and walk on the road mind yourselves by doing things you love according to the appropriateness of the action. So for instance, ride if you must but why ride on the interstate which isn't even safe enough for cars. I think everyone should be permitted to do what they love especially when it doesn't encroach on the rights of others, but these actions must never be carried out without much thought as well. And whilst we shall all die, it is worse to commit suicide which is what riding for several hours on an interstate route that isn't safe at the detriment if a young family is equal too.
ReplyDelete