Veteran entertainer and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has reacted strongly to the renaming of the popular Charly Boy Bus Stop in Lagos to “Baddo Bus Stop,” in honour of rapper Olamide Adedeji, aka Baddo.
The bus stop, located along the Gbagada-Bariga axis, has long been associated with Charly Boy due to his legacy as a fearless voice for justice, especially in the Bariga community.
Why the Bus Stop Was Renamed
Bariga LCDA Honours Olamide for Community Impact
The decision was announced by Kolade David, Chairman of the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), during a public unveiling of renamed streets and landmarks.
According to him, the move is part of a broader initiative to honour notable individuals who have contributed significantly to the development and cultural identity of Bariga.
“This rebranding celebrates those who have elevated the image of our community, and Olamide is one of those shining lights,” he stated.
Charly Boy’s Response: ‘You Can’t Erase a Legacy’
In a powerful post shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday, Charly Boy expressed his dissatisfaction, calling the act an attempt to silence activism and rewrite history out of fear.
Highlights from Charly Boy’s Statement
“Dem say dey don chang the name of Charly Boy Bus Stop.
Hmmm. Very interesting.
But let me remind you of something simple:
You can rename a place… but you can’t rename a legacy.
You can replace the signboard… but you can’t erase the spirit.”
He continued by pointing out that the name was not given by politicians, but by the people of Bariga, who recognized his impact.
“Bariga, Gbagada, the entire Lagos knows the truth.
That name Charly Boy Bus Stop was named by the people…
The same people Fada fought for, walked with, and empowered.”
‘Area Fada No Dey Finish’ A Message to His Critics
Charly Boy framed the renaming as part of a larger cultural battle between a generation of truth-tellers and a system that seeks to silence bold voices.
“He’s a movement. He’s an institution. He’s a warning…
So to all the small minds and timid hearts:
You may change the name…
But you will NEVER kill the legacy.”
He ended with a bold declaration:
“Still here. Still standing. Still fighting.
His legacy? Will outlive ya’all.”
Public Reactions: Divided Opinions Online
While some netizens support the decision to honour Olamide, others argue that Charly Boy’s contributions to activism and Nigerian culture should not be sidelined.
As of the time of this report, Olamide has not issued a public response regarding the development.
