Falana Condemns Renaming of Charly Boy Bus Stop as Unconstitutional, Accuses Bariga LCDA of Authoritarianism
Story written by okafor Jospeh
Lagos, Nigeria – July 28, 2025 – Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has strongly criticized the recent renaming of Charly Boy Bus Stop in Bariga, Lagos, describing the move as unconstitutional and a clear display of authoritarian governance.
The controversy began last week when Kolade David, the outgoing chairman of the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), announced a series of street and landmark renamings to honour prominent personalities. Among them was the popular Charly Boy Bus Stop, renamed “Baddo Bus Stop” in honour of Nigerian music star Olamide ‘Baddo’ Adedeji. Others honoured in the renaming include music legends King Sunny Ade, 9ice, Tony Tetuila, and English-Nigerian footballer Bukayo Saka.
However, the decision has sparked public outrage and legal scrutiny.
Veteran musician and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, condemned the renaming, saying it undermines his legacy of social advocacy and resistance against oppression. Backing him, Femi Falana issued a public statement calling the renaming unlawful and lacking constitutional backing.
Falana noted that under the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, only the 20 constitutionally recognized Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos have the authority to carry out such changes. He explained that the creation of 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), including Bariga, by former governor Bola Tinubu in 2003 has not been ratified by the National Assembly.
“LCDAs are not constitutionally recognized entities. The Supreme Court has affirmed that until the Constitution is amended to officially acknowledge them, they have no legal power to rename public places,” Falana stated.
He also drew comparisons with a court ruling on the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), which confirmed that only AMAC has the legal right to name streets in the Federal Capital Territory. According to him, the same principle should apply in Lagos.
Falana didn’t stop at the legal concerns. He also criticised the process as undemocratic, stressing that there was no public consultation before the changes were made.
“Charly Boy Bus Stop gained its name through social acceptance and because of the lasting positive influence Charly Boy has had in Bariga and its environs,” he said.
“Renaming such a historically significant landmark without engaging the local community reflects an authoritarian mindset.”
He called on the Lagos State Government to immediately stop all unilateral renaming of streets and public landmarks carried out by LCDAs. Falana emphasized the importance of following due process and ensuring community involvement in decisions that affect public identity and heritage.
