Veteran entertainer and human rights advocate, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has criticized the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State for renaming the iconic "Charly Boy Bus Stop" after hip-hop artist Olamide Adedeji, also known as Olamide Badoo.

Charly Boy, also called "Area Fada" and known for leading the Our Mumu Don Do movement, accused the local authorities of acting out of fear and political insecurity.

Outgoing council chairman, Kolade David, had announced the renaming as part of efforts to recognize individuals who have elevated Bariga’s image on the global stage through their talents and contributions. “Today, we are renaming streets in honour of legacies that have put our council on the global map. Ajidagan Street will now be called Olamide Adedeji Badoo Street, and Charly Boy Bus Stop will henceforth be known as Badoo Bus Stop,” David said.

However, Charly Boy, in a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, strongly condemned the decision, describing it as a deliberate attempt to erase his decades-long legacy of activism and defiance.

“You can rename a place, but you can’t rename a legacy,” he said. “This is about fear—fear of a man who refused to conform, who challenged authority, and who never begged the system for acceptance.”

He further argued that the original name of the bus stop was not politically appointed but organically given by the people. “Bariga, Gbagada, all of Lagos knows that 'Charly Boy Bus Stop' wasn’t named by politicians but by the people—the same people I stood for, walked with, and empowered,” he said.

“Changing a signboard won’t erase the truth, the movement, or the legacy. 'Area Fada' no dey finish,” he added, referring to his long-standing image as a symbol of resistance.

Oputa emphasized that his legacy remains intact, shaped by public support rather than political endorsement. “The name Charly Boy is etched into Nigeria’s history and the hearts of those who still dare to speak out against oppression. A nameplate can change, but the fire can’t be extinguished,” he asserted.

Reacting to the development, fellow activist and presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, called the renaming “vindictive, haphazard, and laced with ethnic undertones.”

Sowore said: “This move is not only petty but an attempt to rewrite history and silence dissent. Charly Boy Bus Stop symbolized decades of creative resistance and people-driven culture. This is a shameful erasure.”

When contacted, Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho, clarified that the renaming was a local government decision. “Street naming is strictly within the jurisdiction of local councils. The state government has no authority over that,” Omotosho explained.