Charly Boy, Badoo Bus Stop: Falana Fumes Over Renaming of Streets in Lagos, 'Illegal'
- Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has criticised the naming of streets in Lagos as illegal and suggestive of “ethnic chauvinism”
- Falana, who stated this on Sunday, July 27, called for public hearings before the naming of streets, adding that it should not be done arbitrarily
- Falana noted that the recent renaming done in Lagos was the usurpation of powers by certain individuals and local council development areas
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering metro.
Bariga, Lagos state - Amid the controversy over the renaming of Charly Boy bus stop to Badoo terminal, Femi Falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has condemned the recent wave of street and bus stop rechristenings in Bariga, Lagos.
As reported by Business Day, Falana described the move as unconstitutional and carried out without public consultation.
Source: Twitter
The Cable also noted the senior lawyer's stance.
Legit.ng recalls that recently, Bariga local council development area (LCDA) announced the renaming of several streets within the council and inaugurated community-focused projects.
The LCDA Chairman, Kolade Alabi, announced that Ajidagan Street has been renamed Olamide Adedeji (Baddo) Street, and the well-known Charly Boy bus stop is now Olamide Baddo bus stop. He renamed Ifeanyi Street to Abolore Akande (9ice) Street and Ayodele Street in the Ladi-Lak area to Tony Tetuila Street.
In honour of the England and Arsenal footballer, Ilojo Crescent in Obanikoro was also renamed Bukayo Saka Street.
The announcement has expectedly sparked wide reactions, especially as Charly Boy is a vocal critic of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government and the Lagos state government.
Olamide Adedeji, famously known as Badoo, is regarded as a cultural influence in Nigeria and Africa.
His song, ‘I Love Lagos’, released in 2016, celebrates the beauty of Lagos and its popular vicinities.
Source: Twitter
Falana wades into bus stop debate
But reacting to the development via a statement on Sunday, July 27, Falana described the action as illegal, authoritarian, and a violation of the constitutional powers vested in local governments.
Falana cited recent examples such as the reported naming of two streets by billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote, in honour of his late friend, Herbert Wigwe, and President Bola Tinubu, allegedly carried out without proper statutory approval.
The respected lawyer said:
“Charley Boy Bus Stop acquired its name sociologically due to its functionality and the positive impact which Charly Boy has historically made in the area.
“Renaming it without consulting the Bariga and Gbagada people smacks of authoritarianism.”
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Igwe speaks bus stop renaming
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that internet personality Noble Igwe expressed his thoughts on renaming Charly Boy terminal to Olamide's bus stop
Igwe reacted to the news by noting that Charly Boy is not an average man who has earned his place in history. He argued people did not have to like him, but renaming a popular store wouldn't erase his legacy.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
