Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has criticized the Lagos State Government over the renaming of streets and bus stops without constitutional backing or public consultation.
In a strongly worded statement, Falana described the actions as “illegal,” “authoritarian,” and in violation of the powers granted to local governments by the 1999 Constitution. He cited recent cases, such as the renaming of “Charley Boy Bus Stop” to “Baddo Bus Stop” by the former chairman of the Bariga LCDA, Kolade Alabi, and the naming of streets after President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Falana also referenced the reported renaming of two streets by billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote to honour his late friend Herbert Wigwe and President Tinubu, allegedly done without due statutory procedure.
Quoting the Constitution’s Fourth Schedule, he asserted that only local government councils have the legal authority to name roads, streets, and assign house numbers. He backed this with a court ruling from Chief Obidi Ume v. Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, which affirmed the exclusive power of local councils in such matters.
Falana condemned the renaming of the Charley Boy Bus Stop, a site he said holds historical significance for the Bariga and Gbagada communities. “Charley Boy Bus Stop acquired its name sociologically due to its functionality and the positive impact which Charley Boy has historically made in the area,” he noted, calling the renaming “authoritarian” and “disrespectful.”
He criticised the double standard of preserving colonial-era street names while replacing names that honour Nigerians who have contributed meaningfully to society.
Falana urged local legislative bodies in Lagos to intervene and halt these arbitrary name changes. He called for public hearings and legal frameworks to guide such decisions, emphasizing that renaming public spaces should reflect community consensus, not political whims.
“Unilateral renaming undermines constitutional principles and erodes the identity of communities,” Falana concluded.
What you should know
Femi Falana SAN is a leading Nigerian human rights advocate known for his staunch defense of constitutional governance.
His call to halt arbitrary street renaming in Lagos echoes a broader demand for respect for democratic processes and community heritage.
