LAGOS — Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has condemned the recent renaming of streets and landmarks in Lagos without public consultation, calling it unconstitutional and a display of authoritarianism.
Falana’s reaction follows the renaming of Charly Boy Bus Stop to Baddo Bus Stop, and the naming of streets after President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu by the outgoing Bariga LCDA Chairman, Kolade Alabi.
Citing Section 1 of the Fourth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, Falana emphasized that only local governments have the authority to name streets and roads. He referenced a court ruling (Chief Obidi Ume v AMMC) which upheld this constitutional provision.
“The Charly Boy Bus Stop was named by the people, not politicians,” Falana stated. “Renaming it without community input is not just illegal it is authoritarian.”
He also criticized the state for preserving colonial-era names while erasing the legacy of Nigerians who have made meaningful contributions, warning that such moves reflect political sycophancy and disregard for history.
Falana urged local councils to follow due process and engage the public before making naming decisions, calling for transparency and respect for community identity.