Veteran entertainer and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has expressed outrage over the decision by the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to rename the iconic Charly Boy Bus Stop after popular musician Olamide, also known as Baddo.
The rebranded bus stop, now called Baddo Bus Stop, was one of several street and location name changes announced on Friday by Bariga LCDA Chairman, Kolade David, as part of a new initiative to honour influential Nigerian entertainers. Others recognized include 9ice, Tony Tetuila, Bukayo Saka, and King Sunny Ade.
However, the renaming has not gone down well with the 75-year-old Charly Boy, who accused the local authority of attempting to erase his legacy and silence his decades-long voice of resistance.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the maverick artist wrote a passionate and defiant message:
“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 argued that the decision to strip his name from the popular landmark was not just administrative but a symbolic act of censorship aimed at undermining his legacy of activism and social justice.
“This is about fear,” Charly Boy wrote. “Fear of a man who didn’t beg the system to be accepted. Fear of a voice that shook tables for decades.”
He further emphasized that the Charly Boy Bus Stop was never an official political honour but a name embraced by the people in recognition of his contribution to the community and wider society.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: Bariga Renames Popular Charley Boy Bus Stop After Olamide Baddo Bus Stop
“That name wasn’t given by politicians. It was named by the people — the same people Fada fought for, walked with, and empowered,” he added.
In a fiery conclusion, the self-styled Area Fada declared his legacy untouchable:
“Legacy isn’t on a signboard. It’s in the hearts you changed, the voices you awakened, and the fear you planted in corrupt souls. Change the name if you like. The truth still stands. Area Fada no dey finish.”
While the Bariga council has not yet publicly responded to Charly Boy’s statement, the controversy has sparked mixed reactions online, with some supporting the council’s move to celebrate a new generation of cultural icons, while others argue that it disrespects the contributions of those who paved the way.
For many Lagosians, the bus stop’s old name was more than a sign—it was a symbol of rebellion, expression, and community identity.
Whether the change endures or is reversed, Charly Boy’s message is clear: names may fade, but legacies endure.