Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has condemned the recent wave of street and bus stop renaming in Lagos State, describing the actions as unconstitutional, undemocratic, and a clear violation of local government authority
In a statement, Falana criticized several high-profile name changes, including the renaming of “Charley Boy Bus Stop” to “Baddo Bus Stop” by former Bariga LCDA Chairman Kolade Alabi, and the naming of streets after President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
He also referenced reports that billionaire Aliko Dangote named two streets in honor of the late Herbert Wigwe and President Tinubu without proper statutory approval.
Falana argued that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) clearly assigns the power to name streets, roads, and house numbers to local government councils, as outlined in the Fourth Schedule. He cited a legal precedent in Chief Obidi Ume v. Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, where the High Court ruled that only the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) had the authority to name roads and streets within its jurisdiction.
“The usurpation of the exclusive functions of local governments on street naming by certain individuals and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State cannot be justified under the Nigerian Constitution,” Falana stated.
He particularly condemned the renaming of Charley Boy Bus Stop—a name organically given by the people of Bariga and Gbagada—without any community engagement. Falana described the move as an insult to cultural memory and grassroots recognition.
“Charley Boy Bus Stop acquired its name sociologically due to its functionality and the positive impact which Charly Boy has historically made in the area,” he said. “Renaming it without consulting the Bariga and Gbagada people smacks of authoritarianism.”
The respected legal practitioner also expressed concern over the state’s continued recognition of colonial-era names associated with oppression, while replacing local names that honor Nigerians who contributed meaningfully to society.
Falana called on legislative councils in Lagos State to halt arbitrary renaming of public spaces and instead institute public hearings and follow due legal processes.
“Streets should not be renamed arbitrarily to please the whims and caprices of political leaders or to promote ethnic chauvinism, especially in a cosmopolitan capital city like Lagos,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of public participation, warning that bypassing due process undermines both community identity and constitutional governance.
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, Femi Falana, has condemned the recent wave of street and bus stop renamings in Lagos State, describing the actions as unconstitutional, undemocratic, and a clear violation of local government authority){kind=link}
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