Ace Nigerian musician and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has condemned Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) for renaming “Charly Boy Bus Stop” to “Baddo Bus Stop” in honour of rapper Olamide, also known as Baddo.
Gatekeepers News reports that the renaming is part of a broader street rebranding campaign announced by Kolade David, chairman of the Bariga LCDA.
The initiative seeks to recognise notable Nigerian figures, including 9ice, Tony Tetuila, Bukayo Saka, and King Sunny Ade.
However, Charly Boy in a statement on X, reacted to the removal of his name from the iconic bus stop, describing it as an attempt to erase his legacy.
According to the activist, the move was politically motivated, pointing to his decades-long activism and vocal stance against oppression.
He said, “Dem say dey don change the name of Charly Boy Bus Stop. Hmmm. Very interesting. But let me remind you of something simple.”
“You can rename a place… but you can’t rename a legacy. You can replace the signboard… but you can’t erase the spirit. And you definitely can’t silence a voice that shook your tables for decades!”
Charly Boy argued that the original name was not a political favour but a recognition by the people he has represented and fought for over the years.
He said that the renaming was driven by fear, fear of a man who never bowed to the system or sought validation through titles.
The musician said, “ This is not just about a bus stop. This is about fear. Fear of a boy who refused to bow. Fear of a man who challenged the oppressors. Fear of a man who didn’t beg the system to be accepted.”
“So what do timid people do? They change the name like e go wash away their shame. Bariga, Gbagada, the entire Lagos knows the truth.”
He maintained that while physical signposts could be altered, the impact of his work and the movement he represents cannot be erased.
Charley Boy said, “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.”
“They may change the signboard. They may pretend not to remember. But let me remind them Area Fada no dey Finish.”
“He didn’t need to sing sweet songs to be accepted. He didn’t need to wear agbada to beg for titles. He’s a movement. He’s an institution. He’s a warning.”
“So to all the small minds and timid hearts. You may change the name. But you will never kill the legacy.”
Charly Boy further declared that his legacy is “carved into Nigeria’s history” and “etched into the minds of those who still dare to question authority.”
He concluded, “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.”
“So go ahead, change the name. But remember, You can’t change the truth. You can’t erase fire.
Area Fada no dey finish. Still here. Still standing.
Still fighting. His legacy? Will outlive yaall.”
