Wike’s Aide Fires Back at Charly Boy Over Lagos ‘No Man’s Land’ Controversy

The long-running debate about the ownership and identity of Lagos took another twist after veteran entertainer Charly Boy sparked controversy by declaring that “Lagos is a no man’s land.”

Charly Boy, whose real name is Charles Oputa, made the comment while criticizing the recent renaming of a bus stop previously named after him. The Bariga Local Council Development Area of Lagos State had changed the name to honor popular Nigerian rapper Olamide Adedeji, now calling it "Olamide Baddo" bus stop.

Angered by the change, Charly Boy compared Lagos to New York, calling it a melting pot that doesn’t belong to any one ethnic group.

But that didn’t sit well with Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. In a sharp response posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Olayinka challenged Charly Boy to put his claim to the test—by contesting for a traditional title in Lagos.

“If Lagos is a no man’s land, then next time the seat of Oba of Lagos becomes vacant, you should contest for it,” Olayinka said mockingly.

He didn’t stop there. Olayinka went on to list several traditional chieftaincy titles across Lagos—like the Oniru, Elegushi, Oloto, and others—asking if Charly Boy could claim those as well.

“Are these titles in your language, not Yoruba?” he asked pointedly.

The fiery exchange highlights a sensitive and ongoing conversation in Nigeria about ethnicity, ownership, and cultural identity—especially in major urban centers like Lagos. While some argue that Lagos belongs to everyone due to its economic and cultural diversity, others insist it is historically and culturally a Yoruba territory.

For now, the renamed bus stop remains "Olamide Baddo," and the debate over who Lagos belongs to continues. One thing’s clear though—Charly Boy’s comments have reignited an age-old argument, and many are watching to see who speaks next.