Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana (SAN), has condemned the widespread practice of renaming streets and public spaces in Lagos without proper legal and community consultation.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, Falana described the actions as “unlawful and undemocratic,” insisting that such renaming violates the Nigerian Constitution.
He particularly cited the controversial change of “Charley Boy Bus Stop” to “Baddo Bus Stop” by former chairman of Bariga LCDA, Mr. Kolade Alabi, stating that, “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.”
“Renaming it without consulting the Bariga and Gbagada people smacks of authoritarianism,” he stated.
He also criticized recent reports of streets allegedly being named after President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the late Mr. Herbert Wigwe, stating such moves undermine the authority of local governments.
According to Falana, the Constitution reserves the right to name or rename streets solely for elected local government councils. He referenced the case of Chief Obidi Ume v. Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, where the court upheld that only councils can name roads.
“The usurpation of the exclusive functions of local governments on street naming… cannot be justified under the Nigerian Constitution,” he added.
Falana further expressed concern that Lagos has retained many colonial-era names while erasing those honouring contemporary Nigerian figures.
He called on local government lawmakers to “end this arbitrary trend” and include public hearings in the naming process, stating, “Streets should not be renamed arbitrarily to please the whims and caprices of political leaders.”
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