Femi Falana Slams Arbitrary Renaming of Lagos Streets, Calls for Constitutional Compliance and Public Input

 

Legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has raised serious concerns over a growing pattern in Lagos State, where streets and public landmarks are being renamed without public consultation or adherence to constitutional protocols. He described these unilateral changes as a gross violation of democratic principles and a breach of the Nigerian Constitution.

Recent developments have seen familiar landmarks in Lagos altered without the knowledge or approval of residents or the relevant government institutions. One such instance is the widely known "Charley Boy Bus Stop" located in the Bariga area, which has reportedly been changed to "Baddo Bus Stop" under the authority of Mr Kolade Alabi, the immediate past chairman of the Bariga Local Council Development Area. Falana denounced this move, asserting that it was done without the consent of the communities affected and without proper legal backing.

Referencing the 1999 Constitution, Falana stated that the power to name or rename streets lies exclusively with local government councils, not individuals or unrecognized administrative units. According to him, the trend of council chairmen, and in some cases private entities, altering public signage in the state is legally unfounded and deeply troubling.

A landmark case, Chief Obidi Ume v. Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, was cited to reinforce his point. The judgment in that case, Falana recalled, affirmed that only the constitutionally recognized local government body – in this case, the Abuja Municipal Area Council – held the authority to name and number roads within its jurisdiction. Lagos State, he argued, must adhere to the same legal standard.

Falana expressed specific outrage over the alteration of Charley Boy Bus Stop’s name. The stop, he pointed out, is not just a geographical marker but a cultural reference recognized and accepted by residents of both Bariga and Gbagada. The name "Charley Boy," according to him, emerged organically as a result of the individual’s contribution to the community and became part of local identity. He criticized the renaming effort as dismissive and authoritarian, warning that removing such names without dialogue erodes the historical and sociological fabric of the communities involved.

Falana’s criticism also extended to other recent renaming incidents in Lagos, including reports that streets have been rechristened in honor of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the late Herbert Wigwe, with input allegedly from business magnate Aliko Dangote. These changes, he stressed, appeared to be driven by political allegiance rather than public interest or historical significance.

He warned that this trend sends a dangerous message, suggesting that street names are subject to the preferences of political officeholders and wealthy individuals rather than the collective will of the people. According to him, the practice not only lacks legal justification but also undermines the democratic essence of governance in a diverse and densely populated metropolis like Lagos.

Another troubling dimension highlighted by Falana is the selective nature of the renaming campaign. While names honoring colonial figures and symbols of imperialist domination remain intact across the city, he noted that some of the names being replaced are those that commemorate Nigerian icons who have made significant contributions to national development and social progress. He questioned why post-colonial figures with meaningful legacies are being sidelined while colonial-era names remain untouched.

The human rights lawyer urged local government legislative councils throughout Lagos to take action. He called for the establishment of clear and transparent street-naming procedures that require public engagement, community dialogue, and formal hearings. Falana proposed a participatory framework where residents can voice their opinions and historical insights before any changes are made.

This, he argued, is necessary to preserve the character and history of communities, protect constitutional order, and prevent political or personal motivations from distorting public spaces. "Streets and landmarks should reflect collective memory and civic consensus, not the whims of transient political actors or elite interests," he emphasized.

As Lagos continues to evolve as one of Africa’s major urban centers, Falana insisted that its governance must be anchored in accountability, legality, and inclusiveness. He cautioned against turning the city’s naming culture into a tool of propaganda or political loyalty, warning that doing so would deepen divisions and erode trust in public institutions.

The debate over street names may seem symbolic on the surface, but Falana’s intervention highlights the broader implications for governance, identity, and community autonomy. He reiterated that meaningful democracy requires not only elections but ongoing respect for legal procedures and citizen involvement in everyday decision-making.

By drawing attention to these concerns, Falana hopes to inspire legislative action and civic vigilance that will protect the integrity of public spaces and ensure that future renaming efforts reflect the values and voices of the people they affect.