Mixed reactions trail renaming of ‘Charly Boy’ bus stop after Olamide

Mixed reactions have trailed the renaming ‘Charly Boy’ bus stop after award-winning rapper and singer, Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Badoo. The chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area, Kolade Alabi David, whose tenure ended on Friday announced the development, stating that the move is part of efforts to honour individuals who have brought pride […]

Mixed reactions have trailed the renaming ‘Charly Boy’ bus stop after award-winning rapper and singer, Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Badoo.

The chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area, Kolade Alabi David, whose tenure ended on Friday announced the development, stating that the move is part of efforts to honour individuals who have brought pride to Bariga and contributed to Nigeria’s global image through their craft and contributions.

According to Alabi, the renaming initiative aims to honour notable individuals who have contributed to the growth and image of the Bariga community.

Other roads and landmarks were also renamed after celebrities and public figures, including King Sunny Ade, Tony Tetuila, 9ice, Arsenal footballer Bukayo Saka, and Olamide himself, who also now has a street named after him.

A video clip currently making the rounds on social media captured officials announcing the renaming some Lagos streets.

The action has attracted diverse reactions from both residents and other concerned Nigerians.

Writing via @MAgbogidi on X, Murphy Agbogidi, said: “I thought Charley Boy Bus Stop had already been renamed 2nd Pedro Bus Stop, yet people still call it Charley Boy to this day. Now they want to rename it again to Baddo Bus Stop? Honestly, what’s the point? It seems the local government chairman is completely out of touch with reality. You can’t force a new name on a place the people have already named and accepted for decades.

“Charley Boy has become part of the local identity, changing the name over and over won’t erase that. It’s not about signboards, it’s about what the people recognize and call it. If even the previous renaming didn’t stick, what makes them think this one will? At the end of the day, people will still call it Charley Boy.

“This just feels like another political gimmick with no practical value. Focus on fixing roads and drainage, not renaming bus stops for publicity.”

@BiodunAdeyanju1: “Most commentators don’t understand the power of brand equity. Olamide Baddo has an appeal to the youth and Danfo Drivers.

“With a clear signposts and his image attached to them in 4-directions, Charley boy wil become a thing of the past!”

@Nobsdaslushhid: “Charley Boy isn’t just an ordinary figure,he’s earned his place in the history books. You don’t have to like him, but renaming a bus stop won’t erase his legacy.”

@folashade_aduke: “This renaming is a powerful union of cultural heritage and modern recognition, kudos to Bariga LCDA for honoring Olamide’s legendary impact.”

@thejidetaiwo: “Olamide Baddo has been in national and general culture consciousness for longer than Charley Boy did. Plus he grew up in that community, proof that anything is possible, and that a boy from Bariga could become a global icon. I wrote about this in Chapter 12 of History Made.”

@jeomaltd: “CharleyBoy aka AreaFada did not just made a name for himself. But he also has a family name. He is the son of Justice Oputa. Most of you on this street can’t relate. He also has passed the name down to his children and some of you again can’t relate. He’s 70+ hv nothing to prove.”

@TosinOlugbenga: “Changing the name of that Charley Boy Bus Stop to Olamide Badoo Bus Stop is so petty.. It’s of no significance or importance to anything. I hope Badoo rejects it, so they don’t drag him to their pettiness.”

@Morris_Monye: “Charley Boy Bustop is the place where I literally grew up. Every taxi and bus stop in the area recognizes it as Charley Boy, a designation that has remained consistent for decades.

“Our house was located on Mabinuori Dawodu Street in Gbagada Estate Phase 1, where I was born and spent the first 20 years of my life without interruption.

“I attended Grace Children School, which is situated near Lanre Awolokun Street in Ajidagan, just a short walk from my home.

“The renown of Charley Boy Bus Stop is widely acknowledged throughout Gbagada.

“Charley Boy Bus Stop represents a legacy that cannot be erased.”

@RealDoctorBarn: “A meaningful comeback idea for Charley Boy could be launching a campaign to establish the Charley Boy Hospital in a location of his choice. Nigerians would likely rally behind such a cause, and it would leave a far more lasting legacy than the ‘Bus Stop’.”

@PrinceAbbey: “No sane parent will ever wish for their child to take Charley Boy as a role model too controversial, too chaotic. Meanwhile, Olamide quietly built a legacy, lifting hundreds off the street with talent and hustle. That’s real impact.”