The recent decision by the Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State to rename over 20 streets has sparked sharp reactions and accusations of ethnic bias, with critics alleging that the move disproportionately targets Igbo heritage in the area.
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In a public notice signed by the Council Manager, the local government announced that several street names had been officially revoked and replaced with new ones. The new names, many of which are of Yoruba origin, were introduced without prior public consultation, drawing widespread backlash, particularly from members of the Igbo community.
Among the renamed streets are Imo Eze Street, Uzor Street, Emordi Street, Ebubedike Street, Eze Street, Nise Street, Anosike Street, and others that appear to carry significant Igbo identity. These were replaced with names such as Layiwola Oluwa, Daddy Showkey, Kalejaiye Adeboye, and Erelu Mojisolá, among others.
The changes have been perceived by many residents as an erasure of Igbo cultural presence in the area, with some describing it as a deliberate attempt to “Yorubanize” the local geography and diminish the legacy of long-standing Igbo contributions to the community.
“This is not just a name change it’s a targeted dismantling of identity,” said Nnaemeka Okoro, a community leader and businessman in Ajegunle. “These names carried our history, our roots. Wiping them off the map sends a very clear message.”
Others, however, have defended the move, saying the new names reflect local heroes and modern Lagos identities, including the likes of Daddy Showkey, a popular musician and cultural figure from the area.
The council, in its statement, did not provide detailed reasons for the renaming but simply stated: “This is to notify the general public that the old names of the aforementioned streets have been revoked. The council wishes to inform the public that the names have been replaced with new ones.”
Tensions have been further stoked by the timing of the announcement and the absence of any community stakeholder engagement. Social media platforms have been awash with debates, with some users calling the act “cultural cleansing,” while others argue that street names must evolve to reflect changing realities and local achievements.
Lawyers have also weighed in, noting that while local governments have the statutory power to rename streets, such decisions must follow inclusive, transparent, and democratic processes.
“This is Lagos a melting pot of Nigeria’s diversity,” a lawyer said. “Any action that appears to marginalize one group in favour of another threatens the social fabric that binds the city together.”
Ajeromi Ifelodun LGAAs of press time, the Lagos State Government has not officially responded to the controversy.
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