Street Renaming: PDP accuses Lagos govt of stirring ethnic tension, rejects move

The Lagos state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cautioned the state government against actions capable of fuelling ethnic tension, warning that the recent renaming of some streets could undermine unity in the state.

The party specifically condemned the renaming of the popular Charly Boy Street in Bariga, which was recently changed to Olamide Badoo Street in honour of the Nigerian musician.

Hakeem Olalemi, vice-chairman of the PDP in Lagos Central, said in a statement on Thursday that the decision lacked broad consultation and may create unnecessary division among ethnic groups living in the state.

“The Lagos PDP hereby rejects in totality the renaming of streets by some council chairmen. We should never erase history because of politics,” Olalemi said.

He argued that such moves contradict the spirit of unity in diversity that Lagos is known for and risk sending the wrong signal to non-indigenes who have contributed meaningfully to the state’s growth.

“We should be seen to be promoting unity and not creating the wrong impression to non-indigenes in the state,” he said.

Olalemi added that many of the renamed streets previously bore Igbo names, raising concerns among residents over the motive behind the changes.

“This current action by some council executives should be reconsidered. Most of the streets affected were bearing Igbo names before, and this leaves many questions in the hearts of non-indigenes,” he said.

The PDP urged the state government and local authorities to prioritise inclusive governance and avoid decisions that could provoke unrest or ethnic division.