The Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos has officially renamed the popular Charly Boy Bus Stop after indigenous rapper and music executive Olamide Adedeji, fondly known as Olamide Baddo.
Background on Olamide’s Connection to Bariga
Olamide, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential rappers, grew up in Bariga, Lagos—a neighbourhood that heavily influenced his music and rise to stardom. Fans argue that renaming the bus stop is a way of honouring his contributions and inspiring young talents from the area.
Announcement by LCDA Chairman
During the commissioning of several infrastructural projects on Friday, outgoing LCDA Chairman Hon. Kolade Alabi David confirmed the renaming as part of his final acts in office.
He also revealed that Ajidagan Street has been renamed Olamide Adedeji Baddo Street in honour of the award‑winning rapper, which automatically changes the identity of the adjacent bus stop:
“Ajidagan Street will now be called Olamide Adedeji Baddo Street. That means Charly Boy Bus Stop will now be called Baddo Bus Stop, no more Charly Boy,” he announced.
Charly Boy Reacts
Veteran entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, for whom the bus stop was originally named, gave a brief but telling reaction in a chat with newsmen.
“Na dem sabi,” he said.Charly Boy, who has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most eccentric entertainers, did not elaborate further.
Other Renamings in Bariga
The LCDA’s announcement went beyond Olamide’s honour. Several streets and landmarks in Bariga were renamed after notable figures in music, governance, and sports:
• Ilaje Road → King Sunny Ade Road (honouring the Juju music legend)
• Bariga Road → Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way (in recognition of the Nigerian President and former Lagos Governor)
• Community Road, Akoka → Babajide Olusola Sanwo‑Olu Road (for the current Lagos Governor)
• Ajidagan Street → Olamide Adedeji (Baddo) Street
• Ifeanyi Street → Abolore Akande (9ice) Street (honouring singer 9ice)
• Ayodele Street, Ladi‑Lak → Tony Tetuila Street (for the Afro‑pop veteran)
• Ilojo Crescent, Obanikoro → Bukayo Saka Street (after the Arsenal and England football star of Nigerian descent)
Mixed Reactions From the Public
The renaming exercise has stirred conversations on social media. Some celebrated Olamide’s recognition as a proud son of Bariga, while others questioned the history behind the original name of the bus stop:
• Ola (@X): “If the person behind this decision were truly born and raised in Bariga, they would know that the bus stop is actually known as Second Pedro Bus Stop—not Charly Boy Bus Stop. This is a clear example of how political bitterness can distort historical and communal facts.”
• AKIN OMO AKIN: “Nobody named it Charlyboy Bus Stop in the first place, Charlyboy named it after himself without any authorization from the local government.”
• OG Beeperl: “Baddo is kuku greater than Charly wayray and his entire generation anyway.”
Others accused the state government of playing “bitter politics” with the renaming of long‑established landmarks.
For now, residents and commuters may want to double‑check directions. With all these name changes, don’t be surprised if someone spends half a day looking for a street that has quietly changed identity overnight. It might take a while for the new names to stick in everyday conversation and nobody wants to miss their bus because they’re still asking for “Charly Boy” in a world where it’s now officially “Baddo.”
But asides all humour, it raises a valid question: are these frequent name changes truly necessary, or should history and existing identities be preserved?