Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has condemned the recent renaming of streets and bus stops in Lagos, including the change of the popular Charly Boy Bus Stop to Baddo Bus Stop in honour of rapper Olamide Adedeji.
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Last week, Kolade David, outgoing chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), announced the renaming of several locations to celebrate personalities who have contributed to the fame and growth of the Bariga area.
Musicians King Sunny Ade, 9ice, Tony Tetuila, and Arsenal footballer Bukayo Saka were among those honoured with street name changes.
But Charly Boy, whose birth name is Charles Oputa, criticised the move, claiming it was an attempt to erase his legacy as a long-time social crusader and opponent of oppressive regimes.
Reacting on Sunday, Falana said the renaming exercise lacks legal backing, as LCDAs are not constitutionally recognised entities.
“The usurpation of the exclusive functions of local governments on street naming by certain individuals and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State cannot be justified under the Nigerian Constitution,” Falana stated.
Citing a precedent involving the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), the senior advocate argued that only constitutionally recognised local government areas have the authority to name or rename public roads and streets.
The 37 LCDAs in Lagos were created in 2003 during the administration of President Bola Tinubu as state governor. However, the 1999 Constitution only recognises 20 LGAs in Lagos. The Supreme Court, in a 2004 judgment, ruled that while states may create LCDAs, they remain administrative units without full legal status until the Constitution is amended by the National Assembly.
Falana said the move to rename Charly Boy Bus Stop without engaging the community amounted to authoritarianism.
“Charley Boy Bus Stop acquired its name sociologically due to its functionality and the positive impact which Charley Boy has historically made in the area,” he said.
He also warned that actions taken without due consultation erode public confidence and disrespect local heritage.
“Renaming it without consulting the Bariga and Gbagada people smacks of authoritarianism,” Falana said.
He urged Lagos authorities to stop the unilateral renaming of public spaces and ensure community input is prioritised in future decisions.
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