. ‘You can’t rename a legacy,’ Everything Charly Boy said in reaction to development
Charles Oputa, activist better known as Charly Boy, has criticised the Bariga Local Council Development Area for renaming the popular ‘Charly Boy Bus Stop’ to ‘Baddo Bus Stop’ in honour of rapper Olamide ‘Baddo’.
Kolade David, Chairman of Bariga LCDA, announced the changes on Friday, revealing that other Nigerian stars including 9ice, Tony Tetuila, Bukayo Saka, and King Sunny Ade were also honoured with street names.
However, the move to strip Charly Boy’s name from the longstanding bus stop sparked immediate backlash. The entertainer condemned the decision, describing it as an act of “legacy erasure.”
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Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Charly Boy claimed the renaming was politically motivated due to his record as a vocal critic of government oppression.
“Dem say dey don change the name of Charly Boy Bus Stop. Hmmm. Very interesting. But let me remind you of something simple,” he wrote in a mix of Pidgin and English.
“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!”
He argued that the move was rooted in fear and insecurity among political leaders.
“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.”
The 75-year-old activist stressed that the ‘Charly Boy Bus Stop’ name was not given by politicians but by ordinary Nigerians in recognition of his advocacy and influence.
“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 went on to assert that his legacy is far more significant than physical street signs.
“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.
“This name Charly Boy is carved into the history of Nigeria, Written boldly in the streets of Bariga, Etched into the minds of those who still dare to question authority.
“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.”
