…Warns of Unrest, Serious Chaos
By John Paul
The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has faulted the recent wave of street and landmark renamings in the state, describing the exercise as arbitrary, divisive, and an attempt to erase history. The PDP accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of targeting certain ethnic groups under the guise of honoring personalities, warning of legal action if the renamings are not reversed.
“The Lagos PDP is hereby rejecting in totality the renaming of streets by some council chairmen. We should not erase history because of politics,” said Hakeem Olalemi, PDP Vice-Chairman (Lagos Central), in a statement on Thursday. “It is against the spirit of unity in diversity and it will certainly affect the image of the state as a cosmopolitan state.”
Among the most controversial of these changes is the renaming of the iconic Charley Boy Bus Stop in Gbagada to Olamide Bus Stop, in honour of the popular musician. The move has sparked outrage from residents and civil society groups who view the change as an affront to cultural memory and identity of the neighbourhood. Critics argue that Charley Boy Bus Stop, named after the legendary activist and entertainer, symbolizes decades of grassroots activism and civic consciousness in the Gbagada area of Lagos State.
Olalemi noted that many of the affected streets previously bore Igbo names, raising concerns among non-Indigenes. “We should be seen to be promoting unity and not to give the wrong impression to non-Indigenes in the state. We have various nationalists (of different ethnicities) in our state, who have contributed immensely to the development of our state, hence the reason why some streets were named after them initially.”
Describing the street renaming spree as unconstitutional, Olalemi said, “The APC should, as a matter of fact, revert to the status quo. If the steps were not reversed, the party could seek legal redress in court in order to preserve the identity of Lagos State as a cosmopolitan state. We cannot erase history in the name of politics. The ruling party should know that this renaming of streets arbitrarily can lead to riot, unrest, and serious chaos if care is not taken.”
The PDP’s condemnation follows growing public dissent against the renaming of streets and landmarks. Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, had earlier described the changes as unconstitutional and lacking in public consultation. In another instance, residents of Ilaje community in Bariga LCDA staged a protest on Wednesday, rejecting the renaming of ‘Ilaje Road’ to ‘King Sunny Ade Road,’ accusing the council of disregarding their historical ties to the area.
With anger mounting across affected communities, the Lagos PDP has vowed to challenge the renamings in court if the APC government refuses to halt what it called a “dangerous and provocative” agenda.