Babatunde Fashola Urges Stronger Historical Preservation in Lagos Amid Rising Tensions Over Street Renaming

 

Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has reignited conversation around the significance of preserving Lagos's historical identity, using a public platform to champion the documentation of the state’s rich legacy. Speaking during the launch of “Discover Lagos State: A History Puzzle Book (Volume 1)”, Fashola urged policymakers and residents to protect historical narratives from being distorted or lost amid the growing debate over street naming and renaming in the state.

The event, held at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, drew dignitaries, historians, educators and government officials, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat. Both leaders emphasized the urgent need for conscious documentation of Lagos’s evolution to foster pride, awareness and unity among its people, especially the younger generation.

Drawing inspiration from international practices, Fashola referenced the well-preserved digital archives at the University of Glasgow, Scotland. He highlighted the power of documented history in showcasing societal development and in shaping global narratives. One key example he offered was the story of Dr Isaac Ladipo Oluwole, who studied at the University of Glasgow between 1913 and 1918, eventually becoming the first African Medical Officer of Health in the Lagos colony.

Fashola detailed how Oluwole pioneered school health services and opened Nigeria’s first school of hygiene in Yaba in 1920. His contributions, Fashola argued, were well preserved in Glasgow’s records, helping people today understand the profound reasons behind naming a street in his honour in Ikeja. He cautioned against the careless renaming of such streets, noting that doing so risks erasing memories and contributions that are vital to the city’s identity.

“When we drive past Ladipo Oluwole Street, many might not know the depth of legacy behind the name. Yet, these names are not chosen by accident; they are tributes to trailblazers whose impact shaped Lagos. Preserving this knowledge is not optional; it is necessary,” Fashola said.

Reflecting on the larger implications of historical archiving, he stated that the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) must evolve into more than a storage facility. It should become a central, trustworthy hub for all Lagos-related historical content. He passionately appealed to the current administration to invest heavily in LASRAB, noting that without adequate funding and resources, the vision of safeguarding Lagos’s legacy may remain unrealised.

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s deputy, Dr Hamzat, praised the puzzle book initiative as a bold and creative tool for engaging young minds. The book, according to him, blends education and entertainment in a way that fosters cultural pride and curiosity. He described it as a timely response to the need for innovative teaching methods that can reconnect Lagosians with their roots.

“The beauty of this puzzle book lies not only in its educational content but in how it encourages active discovery. It brings history to life in a way that young people can relate to. This project goes beyond mere education; it is a celebration of who we are,” Hamzat said.

He also acknowledged the foresight shown by Fashola during his administration in establishing LASRAB, citing an executive order that mandated the preservation of all government project records. That directive, he added, ensured every major development in Lagos had a corresponding historical footprint within official archives.

According to Hamzat, the state risks cultural amnesia if it fails to deliberately document its journey. He explained that understanding Lagos's story is essential not just for reflection but for shaping the values and future of its citizens.

“This book is a method of instilling historical consciousness. It informs, it entertains, and most importantly, it safeguards our collective identity. If we don’t make deliberate efforts to preserve our stories, we might end up misunderstanding our very existence,” he concluded.

With the ongoing controversy around street naming and renaming in Lagos, Fashola’s remarks struck a chord. His call to preserve rather than erase Lagos’s historical imprints resonated with many attendees, adding weight to the argument that names, places and archives are more than just records. They are symbols of memory, resilience and identity.

The presentation of “Discover Lagos State: A History Puzzle Book” represents more than just a publishing milestone. It signals a broader movement toward cultural preservation in one of Africa’s most dynamic cities. If properly supported, such initiatives could serve as blueprints for other regions seeking to retain their historical integrity while embracing modernity.