Femi Falana SAN Condemns Renaming of Charley Boy Bus Stop to Baddo Bus Stop

By Abiola Olawale

Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has strongly criticized the recent decision by the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to rename Charley Boy Bus Stop in honor of popular rapper Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Baddo.

Constitutional Breach Alleged

In a strongly-worded statement issued on Sunday, Falana described the renaming exercise as illegal, arguing it violates constitutional provisions regarding the naming of public infrastructure.

The senior lawyer emphasized that according to the Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), the authority to name and rename roads, streets, and other public infrastructure falls exclusively under local government jurisdiction.

Community Consultation Neglected

Falana particularly took issue with the lack of community consultation in the decision-making process. “The Charley Boy Bus Stop acquired its name sociologically through the positive impact Charley Boy has historically made in the area,” Falana stated.

He continued: “Renaming the Charley Boy Bus Stop without consulting the Bariga and Gbadaga people smacks of authoritarianism. It represents a usurpation of powers by the LCDA.”

Historical Context and Criticism

The human rights lawyer drew attention to what he called the irony of the situation: “It is sad to note that a state that has continued to retain streets named after colonial figures – some of whom were murderers and economic saboteurs – is busy renaming streets and bus stops that honor Nigerians who have genuinely contributed to society.”

Falana’s statement highlighted growing concerns about the arbitrary renaming of public infrastructure in Lagos State, particularly when such decisions appear politically motivated or favor certain individuals over community preferences.

Call for Due Process

The legal luminary called for more transparent processes in such matters: “Given the serious objections to the diversionary renaming of streets in Lagos State, the legislative arms of local governments should henceforth conduct public hearings before such decisions are made.”

He emphasized that street renaming should follow due process of law rather than “pleasing the whims and caprices of political leaders or promoting ethnic chauvinism, particularly in a cosmopolitan city like Lagos.”

Background of the Controversy

The controversy began when Bariga LCDA announced its decision to honor Olamide, one of Nigeria’s most successful hip-hop artists, by renaming the popular bus stop after him. The move was met with mixed reactions from residents and cultural commentators.

While some praised the recognition of contemporary cultural icons, others, like Falana, questioned the process and the erasure of existing names that hold cultural significance for local communities.

The Charley Boy Bus Stop derived its name from Charles Oputa, the eccentric entertainer and activist popularly known as Charley Boy, who had significant influence in the area during his active years.

Full credit to the original publisher: New Diplomat