‘YOU CAN RENAME A PLACE BUT CAN’T RENAME LEGACY’, CHARLY BOY FAULTS RENAMING OF LAGOS BUS STOP

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By: Sefiu Ajape

Veteran entertainer and activist, Charles Oputa, widely known as Charly Boy, has responded to the renaming of the well-known Charly Boy Bus Stop in Lagos, calling it an effort to erase history and suppress activism.

The bus stop, situated along the Gbagada–Bariga axis, has been renamed “Baddo Bus Stop” in honour of popular rapper Olamide Adedeji, also known as Baddo.

The announcement was made by Kolade David, Chairman of the Bariga Local Council Development Area, during the commissioning of newly renamed roads and landmarks within the council.

According to Alabi, the renaming is part of a broader effort to celebrate individuals who have made notable contributions to the development and image of the Bariga community.

Other streets and landmarks were renamed in recognition of celebrities and public figures such as King Sunny Ade, Tony Tetuila, 9ice, Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, and Olamide himself, who now also has a street bearing his name.

Charly Boy, whose name had long been associated with the now-renamed bus stop, expressed his dissatisfaction on Saturday via his official X account. He remarked that while names may be changed, “legacies endure.”

He characterized the renaming as reflective of fear—fear of his enduring “defiance, resistance to oppression, and outspokenness on national issues” over the decades.

He said, “Dem say dey don change the name of Charly Boy Bus Stop. Hmmm. Very interesting. But let me remind you of something simple:

“You can rename a place… but you can’t rename a legacy. You can replace the signboard… but you can’t erase the spirit. And you definitely can’t silence a voice that shook your tables for decades!

“This is not just about a bus stop. This is about fear. Fear of a boy who refused to bow. Fear of a man who challenged the oppressors. Fear of a man who didn’t beg the system to be accepted.

“So what do timid people do? They change the name like e go wash away their shame.”

Oputa insisted that the name “Charly Boy Bus Stop” was not given by politicians but by the people of Bariga and Gbagada, communities where he had long-standing influence and connection.

“Bariga, Gbagada, the entire Lagos knows the truth. That name Charly Boy Bus Stop was not given by politicians. It was named by the people the same people Fada fought for, walked with, and empowered.

“They may change the signboard. They may pretend not to remember. But let me remind them Area Fada no dey Finish.

“He didn’t need to sing sweet songs to be accepted. He didn’t need to wear agbada to beg for titles. He’s a movement. He’s an institution. He’s a warning.”

He added that his legacy is not tied to physical markers but to the impact he has made in society.

He said, “So to all the small minds and timid hearts. You may change the name… But you will NEVER kill the legacy.

“This name Charly Boy is carved into the history of Nigeria, Written boldly in the streets of Bariga, Etched into the minds of those who still dare to question authority.

“Legacy isn’t on a signboard. It’s in the hearts you changed, the voices you awakened, and the fear you planted in corrupt souls.

“So go ahead, change the name. But remember, you can’t change the truth. You can’t erase fire. Area Fada no dey finish.

“Still here. Still standing. Still fighting. His legacy? Will outlive ya’all.”