By Our Reporter
Veteran singer and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has strongly condemned the decision by Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos to rename the popular “Charly Boy Bus Stop” after music star Olamide.
The location, now called “Baddo Bus Stop,” was renamed as part of a new street-naming initiative honoring Nigerian entertainers such as 9ice, Tony Tetuila, Bukayo Saka, and King Sunny Ade.
Reacting to the development, Charly Boy accused the council of attempting to erase his legacy due to his long-standing activism and defiance of oppressive systems.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the 75-year-old wrote:
“You can rename a place… but you can’t rename a legacy.
You can replace the signboard… but you can’t erase the spirit.
And you definitely can’t silence a voice that shook your tables for decades!”
Charly Boy suggested the renaming was politically motivated, driven by fear of his bold stance against injustice.
“This is about fear—fear of a boy who refused to bow, of a man who challenged the oppressors. So what do timid people do? They change the name, like it will wash away their shame.”
He emphasized that the original name of the bus stop was not conferred by politicians but by the people he had fought alongside throughout his decades-long advocacy.
“That name wasn’t given by politicians. It was named by the people — the same people I walked with, fought for, and empowered.”
Reaffirming his influence, Charly Boy declared:
“You may change the name, but you will never kill the legacy.
My name is carved into the history of Nigeria, etched into the streets of Bariga, and planted in the hearts of those who still dare to question authority.”
He concluded with a defiant message:
“Legacy isn’t a signboard. It’s the fire you leave behind.
Area Fada no dey finish. Still here. Still standing. Still fighting.”