“Na Dem Sabi” – Charly Boy Breaks Silence After Lagos Renames His Bus Stop in Honour of Olamide Baddo

 

A major change in the heart of Lagos has stirred conversations across the city and beyond, as the Lagos State government officially renamed several streets and landmarks in Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA). Among the most talked-about changes is the rebranding of the famous Charly Boy Bus Stop, now renamed Olamide Baddo Bus Stop, in honor of the acclaimed rapper and Bariga native, Olamide Adedeji.

The move was announced during the commissioning of a series of local projects on Friday, marking one of the final acts of outgoing Bariga LCDA Chairman, Hon. Kolade David Alabi. A number of other roads in the area were renamed to pay tribute to prominent Nigerians from various sectors, especially entertainment and sports.

The response from Charly Boy, whose real name is Charles Oputa, was brief but loaded with meaning. When contacted for his thoughts by Daily Post, the iconic entertainer responded with a simple phrase: “Na dem sabi.” The veteran artist chose not to elaborate further, leaving the public to interpret his terse reaction.

Charly Boy Bus Stop, known to many for years as a cultural marker, was originally not an official government designation but rather a colloquial title reportedly popularized by Charly Boy himself. This has added another layer to the debate, as questions arise about the legitimacy of the name's origin and its later replacement.

Public reaction has been a mix of praise, criticism, and outright disbelief. Some Lagosians and especially Bariga residents expressed confusion and disappointment, accusing the government of historical revisionism. On social media, users debated whether the renaming was a just tribute or an unnecessary political move.

A user identified as Ola on platform X stated that those involved in the decision likely lacked genuine ties to the area. “If the person behind this decision were truly born and raised in Bariga, they would know that the bus stop is actually known as Second Pedro Bus Stop, not Charly Boy Bus Stop,” Ola argued. “This is a clear example of how political bitterness can distort historical and communal facts.”

Another user, AKIN OMO AKIN, added a different perspective. “Nobody named it Charlyboy Bus Stop in the first place, Charlyboy named it after himself without any authorization from the local government,” he said, suggesting that the entertainer may have claimed the name unofficially.

The conversation did not stop there. Comments flooded platforms with comparisons between the two figures. One user, OG Beeperl, wrote, “Baddo is kuku greater than Charly wayray and his entire generation anyway,” igniting further controversy.

Despite the criticism, many have welcomed the decision as a meaningful tribute to Olamide, whose music and philanthropy have made significant contributions to both the local community and the Nigerian music scene at large. For fans of the rapper, the move is seen as well-deserved recognition of his roots and impact.

Additional renaming included other well-known personalities. Ilaje Road is now King Sunny Ade Road, paying homage to the Juju music legend. Bariga Road has been changed to Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, in recognition of Nigeria’s current president and former Lagos governor. Community Road in Akoka has become Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Road, honoring the sitting governor.

Olamide was further celebrated with Ajidagan Street now bearing his full name, Olamide Adedeji (Baddo) Street. Singer 9ice, known for his deep Yoruba musical influence, has Ifeanyi Street renamed after him as Abolore Akande (9ice) Street. Another street, Ayodele in Ladi-Lak, now carries the name of Tony Tetuila, a pioneer of Afro-pop in Nigeria.

In a nod to Nigerian diaspora excellence, Ilojo Crescent in Obanikoro now bears the name Bukayo Saka Street, after the England international and Arsenal football star of Nigerian descent.

The renaming campaign appears to be part of a broader effort to immortalize cultural and national figures in the urban landscape, yet it has sparked debates about authenticity, recognition, and the underlying motivations of such decisions.

For many residents, the question remains whether these name changes are driven by sincere appreciation for talent and legacy, or whether they reflect political considerations aimed at scoring points with specific demographics. Either way, Lagosians will have to adjust to a new map that reflects both contemporary icons and ongoing conversations about history and identity.