Social media activist VDM has publicly apologised to Nigerian crypto entrepreneur Blord (Linus Williams Ifejika) after using the RATEL trademark without permission.
Blord recently registered the name “RATEL” as a trademark and launched a fintech app under the same brand to sell his products. He later issued a cease and desist notice to VDM, instructing him to stop using the name.
However, Blord later withdrew the notice, saying influential individuals had contacted him and requested that VDM be allowed to continue using the trademark. He also told VDM’s supporters to address him as “their CEO moving forward.”
In response, VDM released a video addressing the controversy and clearing up rumours that he was targeting Igbos.
He said:
“There was never a time when I was fighting Igbos as a tribe. I am not a tribalistic person, I don’t like tribalism.”
He added: “So please, dear Igbos, I’m not fighting you.”
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VDM also apologised directly to Blord, saying:
“As for Blord, I really appreciate you for considering to let me use Ratel again.”
He further thanked those who reached out to Blord, adding: “To all the people that called Blord from the upper echelon, I want to say God will bless you.”
Confirming that he will now seek permission to use the trademark, VDM announced that the Ratel cleaning exercise will take place on the last Saturday of this month, in Obalende, Lagos. He added that preparations and funding for the exercise were ongoing.
Towards the end of the video, VDM removed a banner with the Ratel name, joking:
“I’ll put it back when Blord approves it.”
VDM originally launched the Ratel group as a civic initiative aimed at tackling environmental decay and promoting patriotism among Nigerian youths.
Watch VDM’s apology to Blord here: https://x.com/dammiedammie35/status/2013164227905626390?s=20