Hafiz Oyetoro is a popular Nigerian actor that is commonly branded Saka , a character he played in the much celebrated TV comedy soap ‘’House Apart’’.He is an excellent cross-over artist, as he easily switches language from English to Yoruba movies, drama series and sitcoms.

An extra feather in his richly titled cap? - He is well renowned for his roles in advertorial campaigns from telecommunications company Etisalat.

Now, the bombshell: Saka has jumped ship and pitched his tent with rival company, telecoms giant MTN.The news is that MTN has kicked off their television commercial for the recently activated Number Portability Scheme with Saka gladly announcing he has ‘upgraded’ to MTN.

The ad begins with Saka dressed in green traditional attire only to transform into bright yellow attire as he leads a music band.

‘I don port o, I don port go MTN. I don upgrade to MTN‘, Saka chants and dances. Some anonymous sources confirm that Saka got paid a whooping N20m for this new deal.

The ad starts with Saka dressed in green traditional attire - which probably stands for Etisalat, lol - only to transform into bright yellow attire - MTN - as he leads a music band. Of course, many tongues are already wagging about the move.A common question on their lips is: ‘’didn’t Saka have an exclusive contract with Etisalat or was he being paid per campaign’’?

The author, who underscored the fact that he was on the creative team that worked for Etisalat to create the Saka image, says the character had already been constructed. This occurrence wasn’t one of Hafiz Oyetoro being a star appearance. He simply auditioned for the role (like many others) and triumphed. He was placed on a contract, executed it with precision and was disengaged. In other words, he was treated as a model, paid to do a job and move on to the next.

He sure did.

This is where Etisalat may have goofed. Saka has become a household name, winning an AMVCA for his role on the sitcom ‘House Apart’ and was warmly received as he accepted his trophy. He had become almost as synonymous with the Etisalat brand as Jenifa (Funke Akindele) is with Globacom. He deserved the star treatment, a renegotiation of terms. Why everyone else realized this except the hot shots at Etisalat will remain a question that will likely haunt them for a while.

The masterminds of the switch? They are no other than the brilliant minds at DDB, MTN’s creative agency, who spotted this window of opportunity. To rephrase, they simply capitalized on the obvious and saw gold where Etisalat saw chaff.

Subscribers’responses and potential riposte from Etisalat:

Some users believe that MTN made the desperate move, making Saka jump ship because the recently launched ‘number portability scheme’ might not be beneficial to them, mainly due to their perceived high-pricing. The company has often received a lot of black lash from consumers on Social media who had promised to leave the network once the scheme is launched. At present, a bloggers forum is contemplating on creating a ‘migrate away from MTN’ campaign.

While Etisalat cannot but face a minor setback before of course launching their own campaign (maybe prompt MTN ambassadors Osuofia and Mama G to do a volte-face and jump on board?), MTN will relish the moment. Saka however comes out as the biggest winner walking home with millions of cash and the hype.

Feel free to write in and express your views on the matter.

Source http://www.toniaodili.com/2013/04/how-ethical-is-sakas-switch-from.html?m=0

How ethical is changing school when ur present school is nt up to standard.

There's nothing unethical about his switch provided he is not on a permanent retainership with Etisalat.
Btw, I don't think subscribers will port solely cos of any alanta dance done by Saka or Funke

The POACHING might even make me hate MTN. That apart I think its a lesson for all, dont look down on people, recognize them for who they are. The phrase porting actually describe what the whole episode is about, moving from one network to another which is exactly what Saka has done. Good luck to him and hope his new benefactor does not dump him after the celebrated 'porting'.

The real truth.

It's not an issue of ethics. Etisalat payed d guys per job (advert) so he's not tied to them. Does he mean he won't work again if he has a better offer? Typical example is if u work in a company as a contract staff and a rival company offers you a more permanent role or job won't u accept it? It's simply business.....NO SENTIMENT. Etisalat doesn't value the guy enough to offer him a contract and mtn did.......simple.