Veteran entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has reacted to the renaming of the iconic Charly Boy Bus Stop in Lagos, calling it an effort to erase history and suppress activism.
The bus stop, situated along the Gbagada-Bariga route, has been officially renamed “Baddo Bus Stop” in recognition of renowned rapper Olamide Adedeji, also known as Baddo.
Bariga LCDA Chairman Kolade David made the announcement during the unveiling of newly renamed streets and landmarks in the area, noting that the move was part of a broader initiative to celebrate individuals who have significantly impacted the Bariga community.
Charly Boy, whose name had long been associated with the landmark, voiced his dissatisfaction in a post on his official X account on Saturday. He emphasized that while names can be changed, legacies remain intact.
He further suggested that the decision stemmed from fear,fear of his lifelong commitment to challenging the status quo, speaking truth to power, and standing against injustice.
Charly Boy said …
“Dem say dey don chang 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!
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.
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.
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.
@assanwa001″
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