Falana Faults Bariga LCDA for Renaming Streets Without Public Consultation

Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has condemned the recent renaming of streets and bus stops in Lagos by the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), declaring the action unconstitutional.

Last week, Kolade David, the outgoing chairman of Bariga LCDA, announced the renaming of several streets to honour individuals he said contributed to the area’s image. Among the changes, the popular Charley Boy Bus Stop was renamed Baddo Bus Stop in honour of rapper Olamide ‘Baddo’ Adedeji. Streets were also renamed after entertainers King Sunny Ade, 9ice, Tony Tetuila, and Arsenal footballer Bukayo Saka.

However, Falana faulted the LCDA’s legitimacy in making such changes, citing the 1999 Constitution, which only recognises 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos State, not the 37 LCDAs created by then-Governor Bola Tinubu in 2003.

“The usurpation of the exclusive functions of local governments on street naming by certain individuals and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State cannot be justified under the Nigerian Constitution,” Falana said in a statement.

He referenced a court ruling that grants only constitutionally recognized LGAs the authority to name roads and streets, stressing that LCDAs remain administrative units unless the constitution is amended.

Falana also criticised the lack of public consultation, particularly in the renaming of Charley Boy Bus Stop. “Charley Boy Bus Stop acquired its name sociologically due to its functionality and the positive impact which Charley Boy has historically made in the area,” he said.