Veteran musician and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy or Area Fada, has criticised the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) for renaming the well-known “Charly Boy Bus Stop” in Gbagada to “Baddo Bus Stop” as part of a street rebranding initiative.
The name change was announced by LCDA Chairman, Kolade David, on Friday, who explained that the rebranding was aimed at honouring prominent Nigerians particularly entertainers, politicians, and public figures who have positively represented Bariga and Nigeria on the global stage.
However, the move has drawn backlash, with Charly Boy taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account to express his disapproval. He described the action as a failed attempt to erase his legacy.
“You can rename a place, but you can’t rename a legacy,” he wrote.
He accused the council of being intimidated by his non-conformity and independent stance, claiming the renaming was driven by fear rather than genuine recognition.
“This isn’t just about a bus stop. It’s about fear fear of a boy who never bowed, a man who defied the oppressors, who didn’t seek validation from the system,” he said. “So what do they do? They change a name, thinking it will wipe away their shame.”
Charly Boy emphasized that the bus stop was not named by the government but by the people, in appreciation of his influence and efforts within the community.
“Bariga, Gbagada, all of Lagos knows the truth. That name was given by the people not politicians the same people I marched with, fought for, and empowered,” he stated.
He concluded by reaffirming that true legacy transcends street signs.
“Legacy is not on a signpost. It lives in the hearts you’ve stirred, the voices you’ve awakened, and the fear you’ve ignited in the corrupt. So go ahead, change the name. But you can’t change the truth. You can’t extinguish fire. Area Fada no dey finish,” he declared.
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