Chisom Umejiaku
Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has called on the Lagos State Government and residents to be more careful when renaming streets and public places, warning that the city’s rich history is slowly being erased.
Fashola made the call on Tuesday, July 29, during a keynote speech at the 2025 Lagos Urban Dialogue held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island.
The event, themed “City Memory and Urban Identity”, brought together urban planners, historians, and policy makers to discuss the future of Lagos’ landscape.
Fashola stressed the importance of preserving names that tell the story of Lagos’ past.
According to him, some street names may not seem important now, but they are part of the state’s identity and hold deep meaning, especially for future generations.
“Street names are not just labels. They are reminders of people, events, and cultures that helped shape Lagos,” Fashola said. “If we keep changing them without proper reason or memory, we risk forgetting who we are.”
Over the years, many streets across Lagos have been renamed — often after politicians or prominent figures, raising concerns among historians and residents who feel the city’s original heritage is being lost.
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Fashola, who governed Lagos from 2007 to 2015, noted that while it’s normal for cities to evolve, there should be a balance between growth and memory. He urged city planners and lawmakers to consult widely before approving changes to street names.
He added, “We can honour new heroes without wiping out the names of the old ones. Let’s preserve the stories behind these names and teach the younger generation their meanings.”
“The old street names carry memories,” said Kehinde Balogun, a 63-year-old resident of Surulere.
“I grew up with them. Changing them just like that feels like wiping away part of our lives.”
Fashola’s remarks have sparked conversations on social media and among urban planning experts, many of whom agree that Lagos’ cultural identity must be protected as the city continues to grow.