‘It’s unconstitutional’ — Falana condemns Lagos LCDAs over street renaming
Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer, has condemned the recent renaming of streets and bus stops by some Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos, describing the action as unconstitutional.
His comment follows the decision by Kolade David, the outgoing chairman of Bariga LCDA, who renamed several streets and bus stops in his jurisdiction to honour individuals “who have put the town on the global map.”
Among the changes, the popular Charley Boy Bus Stop was renamed Baddo Bus Stop in honour of rapper Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as ‘Baddo.’
The move has stirred controversy, with many residents accusing the local authorities of prioritising self-interest over community needs.
Activist-musician Charly Boy criticised the renaming, suggesting it was a targeted attempt to erase his legacy due to his consistent resistance against oppression.
Falana, however, approached the issue from a legal standpoint, faulting the authority of LCDAs to carry out such changes.
“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,” he said in a statement.
He further criticised the process through which Charley Boy Bus Stop was renamed, saying it was done without any form of community consultation.
“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,” Falana said.
“Renaming it without consulting the Bariga and Gbagada people smacks of authoritarianism.”
Bariga is one of 37 LCDAs created in 2003 during the tenure of Bola Tinubu as governor of Lagos.
However, these LCDAs are not constitutionally recognised, and federal lawmakers from Lagos have been advocating for constitutional amendments to legitimise their existence.
Falana concluded by urging Lagos authorities to respect constitutional provisions when renaming public infrastructure and to engage communities before making such decisions.
