Falana Slams Street Renaming in Lagos, Calls it Unconstitutional and Unlawful in Nigeria

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Human rights advocate and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has condemned the recent renaming of streets and bus stops in Lagos, Nigeria, labelling the actions as illegal and a breach of constitutional provisions.

In a statement released to the public, Falana pointed out that the renaming processes were executed without following the appropriate legal steps and infringed upon powers granted to local governments under the Nigerian Constitution. He specifically cited the renaming of the “Charley Boy Bus Stop” to “Baddo Bus Stop” by Kolade Alabi, the former chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), as a prime example of overreach. Additionally, the naming of two streets after President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also raised concerns.

Falana further called attention to the reported renaming of two streets by billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote in tribute to his late friend, Herbert Wigwe, and President Tinubu. According to Falana, these changes took place without the necessary official approval, adding to the controversy.

Under the Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Falana noted that the exclusive authority to name streets and allocate house numbers rests with local government councils. He referenced a landmark court decision in Chief Obidi Ume v. Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, which ruled that only the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) had the legal right to name roads and streets in its jurisdiction.

Falana expressed particular concern over the renaming of the Charley Boy Bus Stop, which had been named by the local community in Bariga and Gbagada as a tribute to Charley Boy’s historical influence in the area. The sudden name change without any consultation, he argued, disregarded the cultural significance attached to the location.

“Renaming such places without involving the community or following the due process reflects an authoritarian approach to governance,” Falana stated. He also pointed out the continued presence of colonial-era street names across Lagos, many linked to figures associated with oppression, while names of Nigerian heroes and figures who contributed positively to society are being altered.

He called on local government bodies in Lagos to immediately halt the arbitrary renaming of streets and instead follow a more transparent process that includes public hearings and legal approvals. Falana stressed that street names should reflect the democratic values of Nigeria, and not be subject to political manipulation or personal interests.

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