Veteran singer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has voiced his disappointment over the recent renaming of the popular “Charly Boy Bus Stop” in Bariga, Lagos.
The Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) announced the new name“Baddo Bus Stop” as part of a street rebranding initiative honouring Nigerian icons like Olamide “Baddo,” 9ice, Tony Tetuila, Bukayo Saka, and King Sunny Ade.
But the move didn’t sit well with Charly Boy, who believes the change was politically motivated. Taking to social media, the 75-year-old activist accused the authorities of trying to erase his legacy due to his decades-long activism and outspoken stance against oppression.
“You can rename a place, but you can’t rename a legacy,” he wrote. “This isn’t just about a bus stop, it’s about fear. Fear of a man who challenged the system.”
Charly Boy argued that the original name wasn’t given by politicians but by the community itself, a recognition of his influence and grassroots work in Bariga.
“That name was given by the people I walked with, fought for, and empowered,” he added. “Legacy lives in hearts, not on signboards.”
He concluded his statement by affirming that no amount of rebranding could erase his impact:
“Change the name if you must. But the legacy of Charly Boy is carved into Bariga’s streets and Nigeria’s conscience. Area Fada no dey finish.”
