Lagos Belongs to All : Renaming Charly Boy Bus Stop Sparks Outrage as Sowore Accuses Lagos Government of Tribal Agenda

 

The recent decision by Lagos State authorities to rename several streets and landmarks, including the popular Charly Boy Bus Stop, has stirred intense public debate and ignited widespread criticism across social and political circles. Many residents and commentators believe the move is less about urban modernization and more about reinforcing political dominance and ethnic marginalization.

A viral video circulating on social media shows state officials unveiling a new name for Charly Boy Bus Stop, now called Olamide Baddo Bus Stop, a tribute to the popular Nigerian musician. While some see this as a gesture of cultural celebration, a growing number of Lagosians are interpreting it as a thinly veiled attempt to overwrite the city’s historical and multicultural identity.

Among the loudest critics of the renaming exercise is Omoyele Sowore, a prominent human rights activist, journalist, and politician. In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday, Sowore warned that the recent street name changes go beyond urban planning and reflect a deeper, more troubling political motive. He described the initiative as a veiled act of xenophobia and tribal favoritism disguised as civic reform.

“This is clearly not just about signage or beautification,” Sowore said. “It appears to be part of a xenophobic and divisive agenda, orchestrated to target specific ethnic groups and punish those who hold opposing political views to the ruling APC regime in Lagos.”

Sowore's critique adds momentum to an already simmering discontent among residents who see the move as part of a pattern of exclusion. Many citizens have taken to online platforms to express concerns that such changes are eroding the diverse identity that Lagos has long been known for. The city's history is rich with contributions from various ethnic communities, and any attempt to revise its landscape without inclusive dialogue risks alienating large segments of its population.

The activist also emphasized that Lagos is not the property of any particular tribe, insisting that the state belongs to all Nigerians, regardless of ethnic or political affiliation. He warned that using street names as political tools could have long-term consequences on social cohesion in Nigeria’s most populous state.

“These actions must be reversed immediately,” Sowore asserted. “The public must resist this creeping authoritarianism masked as civic order. We will not stand idly by as Lagos is transformed into a platform for tribal, political, or ideological cleansing.”

Sowore’s comments have sparked further conversation among civil society groups, with some calling for more transparency and public consultation in matters affecting shared urban spaces. According to these groups, renaming streets should not be a unilateral decision driven by political expediency, but a democratic process that respects the voices of all stakeholders.

Observers note that the naming and renaming of public spaces in Lagos has historically reflected the state’s complex cultural makeup. Changes that appear to favor one group or individual over others could lead to increased ethnic tensions, especially given Nigeria’s already delicate sociopolitical fabric.

Political analysts are also weighing in, describing the move as part of a broader strategy by the ruling party to tighten its grip on Lagos by shaping its narrative and symbols. These analysts argue that by aligning street names with figures who are sympathetic to the regime or represent a particular cultural heritage, the government may be attempting to redraw the ideological map of the city in its favor.

Meanwhile, some defenders of the policy maintain that renaming streets is a common practice in cities around the world and that it often serves to honor influential cultural figures. Still, critics contend that even if this were the case, the lack of transparency and public engagement in this process makes the intent highly suspect.

Calls are now growing for the Lagos State government to provide clarity on the criteria used in selecting the new names and to offer avenues for public feedback. Many residents say that without such dialogue, policies like this risk further deepening divisions in an already polarized society.

As the debate rages on, one thing is becoming clear: the people of Lagos are not ready to have their identities erased or rewritten without their consent. Whether the government will respond with openness or dig in further remains to be seen.