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The Lagos State Government has renamed the popular Charly Boy Bus Stop in Bariga to Olamide Baddo Bus Stop, honouring Nigerian rapper Olamide Adedeji, who hails from the area. This move came as part of a broader renaming effort announced by the outgoing chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Kolade David Alabi, during the commissioning of several local projects. Charly Boy, a veteran entertainer and activist whose real name is Charles Oputa, reacted briefly when contacted by the press. He simply said: “Na dem sabi”, a Pidgin phrase meaning “That’s their business” or “Let them do what they want.” The statement has been interpreted in various ways some see it as dismissive, others as sarcastic or resigned. Either way, it suggests Charly Boy is not openly contesting the decision, despite the location being popularly associated with his name for years. While the name “Charly Boy Bus Stop” was well-known locally, some residents and online users argue it was never officially recognized by the government. Critics claim Charly Boy had named the stop after himself without official approval. This change has sparked a debate online about legacy, community recognition, and the influence of politics in public naming decisions. While Olamide is widely respected as a cultural icon in Nigerian music, the replacement of Charly Boy’s name has left some people questioning the motive behind the decision.
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The renaming of Charly Boy Bus Stop is part of a larger effort by the Bariga LCDA to honour influential Nigerians, particularly from the entertainment and sports sectors. During the event, several other streets and roads were renamed. Here are some of the major changes: 1. Ilaje Road is now King Sunny Ade Road, after the Juju music legend. 2. Bariga Road becomes Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, in honour of the Nigerian president. 3. Community Road, Akoka is now Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Road, named after the current Lagos State governor. 4. Ajidagan Street is renamed Olamide Adedeji (Baddo) Street. 5. Ifeanyi Street becomes Abolore Akande (9ice) Street, after the singer 9ice. 6. Ayodele Street, Ladi-Lak is now Tony Tetuila Street, for the afro-pop singer. 7. Ilojo Crescent, Obanikoro is renamed Bukayo Saka Street, in honour of the England and Arsenal footballer of Nigerian descent. These renamings have triggered mixed reactions on social media. Some applaud the move for celebrating cultural figures, especially Olamide, who has contributed immensely to Nigerian street music and is a proud Bariga son. Others, however, accuse the state government of political bias and trying to rewrite community history. One X user stated that the so-called Charly Boy Bus Stop was never officially recognized, calling it “Second Pedro” instead. Another claimed Charly Boy named it after himself without permission. One user added fuel to the debate by saying “Baddo is kuku greater than Charly and his entire generation anyway.” Clearly, the name changes are more than symbolic—they reflect ongoing debates about power, legacy, and who gets honoured in public spaces.
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