The renaming of Charly Boy Bus Stop in Bariga area of Lagos State after hip-hop artist, Olamide Adedeji, aka Olamide Badoo, has drawn reaction from the veteran entertainer and human rights activist, Charly Boy.
Last Friday outgone Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area, Kolade David, renamed some streets after some popular individuals including Arsenal star Bukayo Saka.
A bus stop in the area hitherto known as Charly Boy Bus Stop was also changed to Olamide Badoo in honour of the latter and at the expense of Charly Boy also known as “Area Fada.”
The victim of the transition took to his X handle to express his irritation at the step.
The 75-year-old described it as an exercise in futility born out of failed attempt to suppress dissenting voices.
“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!
“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.
“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 is 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,” he wrote.
