Entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has visited the Bariga bus stop in Lagos that was renamed from “Charly Boy Bus Stop” to “Olamide Baddo Bus Stop.”
The renaming was part of Kolade David’s initiative, then chairman of Bariga LCDA, to honour influential figures such as Olamide ‘Baddo’ Adedeji, King Sunny Ade, 9ice, Tony Tetuila and Bukayo Saka.
In a video posted on Instagram, Charly Boy appeared amused by the change. He wrote:
“My people, U can already guess where your Area Fada dey? Olamide Baddo Bus Stop! Yes o, na the same bus stop wey una sabi since… now na Baddo get am. Street na street, e no get age limit, abi?
“I just dey inside car dey laugh yeye people wey wan show Fada power. The Emperor of Nigeria go soon rename everywhere. Next thing, dem go name airport after one DJ, then call National Assembly ‘Comedy Central.’
“Yeye dey smell. For me? I still go dey fresh, I still dey cruise, and I still no send anybody wey no like am. Life too short to dey vex for bus stop name change, when I never chop. Dia Fathers.”
Speaking on Channels TV’s Morning Brief last month, Charly Boy recalled why the bus stop was originally named after him.
“Once upon a time, I used to live at the bus stop and because the people who were in Gbagada at that time felt that it was the right thing to do… I do contribute to that community, both military, pensioners, Okada riders and any young persons, I gave scholarships out and all other things,” he said.
“They named the bus stop after me around 1991 or 1992, after my song in 1990, which was a hit back in the day.”
He added that the renaming does not bother him.
“It does not matter. Anybody who has done something for his community should take the shine. It does not really matter to me… I’m indifferent, that is not our priority right now. There should be something more important to all of us, which is to make sure that come 2027… our votes should count. Period!”
Before his appearance on Channels, the 75-year-old reacting to the change on social media wrote:
“Dem say dey don change the name of Charly Boy Bus Stop. Hmmm. Very interesting. But let me remind you… you can rename a place… but you can’t rename a legacy. You can replace the signboard… but you can’t erase the spirit.
“That name Charly Boy Bus Stop was not given by politicians. It was named by the people the same people Fada fought for, walked with, and empowered… So go ahead, change the name. But remember, you can’t change the truth. You can’t erase fire. Area Fada no dey finish.”
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has also criticised the LCDA’s move, calling it unconstitutional since LCDAs are not recognised in the 1999 constitution. He faulted the renaming for ignoring public consultation and erasing cultural heritage.
Charly Boy is the son of late Supreme Court justice Chukwudifu Oputa. He is known for his eccentric style, activism and music career spanning over four decades.
