Lagos Conductor Rejects Olamide Baddo Bustop, Loudly Proclaims “This Na Charlyboy Forever!” Amidst Commotion [VIDEO]

 

A spirited disagreement over a bus stop name is stirring lively debate across Lagos, after a defiant bus conductor publicly dismissed the Lagos State Government's recent decision to rename the popular Charlyboy Bustop in Gbagada to "Olamide Baddo Bustop."

The drama unfolded on a typical weekday morning as commuters queued up near the ever-busy junction. A danfo conductor, voice brimming with conviction, waved off the new government-sanctioned name and loudly insisted on the traditional title. “This no be Olamide Bustop, this na Charlyboy! Charlyboy still dey live here,” he shouted to passengers and passersby, drawing a mixture of laughter, applause, and bewilderment.

Though the Lagos State signage now reads "Olamide Baddo Bustop," the conductor refused to acknowledge the change. Throughout multiple trips that morning, he continued to refer to the junction by its former name, his tone unwavering and confident. "We wey dey this route know say Charlyboy no dey go anywhere. Government fit paint board, but we no dey change mouth," he told one commuter when questioned about the contradiction.

His firm resistance has now become symbolic of a deeper sentiment among some residents and commuters who feel that street names, especially long-standing cultural landmarks — shouldn't be erased without broader consultation. For years, Charlyboy Bustop has carried symbolic weight, named after eccentric entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charlyboy, who once resided in the area.

Governor Sanwo-Olu had announced the renaming earlier this month as a tribute to popular Nigerian rapper and Lagos native, Olamide Adedeji, also known as Olamide Baddo. The move, described by state officials as a celebration of youth culture and the positive impact of creatives in society, was meant to align with ongoing efforts to modernize and rebrand the city’s identity. But for locals like the defiant conductor, sentiment seems to outweigh symbolism.

“It no be say Olamide no good o, na baba for street. But make dem no use am wipe away history wey we still dey live,” said a roadside hawker, Mama Sisi, who has sold groundnuts at the bustop for over 15 years. “That name, Charlyboy, na how we dey take know here. Even dem LASTMA officers still dey call am Charlyboy. So who the renaming help?”

Some commuters echoed the conductor’s rebellion, noting that while Olamide is widely respected, the renaming feels forced and disconnected from the identity of the neighborhood. Others were more neutral, arguing that it’s not unusual for Lagos to rename major landmarks in honor of influential personalities.

Transportation analysts believe such reactions stem from emotional attachment and long-term familiarity. “When a location becomes central to people’s daily lives and identity, renaming it without grassroots inclusion can create resistance,” explained Tayo Ilesanmi, an urban planning consultant. “There needs to be balance between recognizing modern icons and preserving urban memory.”

The now-viral scene of the conductor refusing to acknowledge the new name has quickly spread across social media, sparking hashtags like #CharlyboyForever and #NameNoBeBoard. Videos show him leaning out of his bus window, calling out “Bariga straight! Charlyboy bustop next!” as amused passengers chime along.

Interestingly, Olamide himself has not publicly commented on the renaming controversy. The artist, known for his street credibility and community loyalty, might find himself in an awkward position. While the honor was undoubtedly well-intentioned, its reception reflects the delicate balance between celebrity recognition and public sentiment.

Despite the signage change and official announcement, street traders, commuters, and commercial drivers continue to refer to the spot as Charlyboy Bustop. Google Maps, meanwhile, has already been updated to reflect the new name, but many locals either ignore the change or say they won’t be adjusting their language anytime soon.

Whether the government will make further efforts to enforce the change remains uncertain. For now, the conductor and many others like him appear set to stand their ground. As the danfo rolls away from the iconic junction, one thing is clear: names may change on paper, but the street speaks its own language.