The Eti-Osa Local Government Area has announced the renaming of six streets as part of its ongoing street-naming and revalidation initiative, igniting fresh debate amid an already heated controversy over similar actions in Lagos State.
The move follows a public outcry over the Bariga Local Council Development Area’s decision to rename several landmarks, including the widely criticized change of the popular “Charly Boy Bus Stop” to “Olamide Baddo Bus Stop” along the Oworonshoki Expressway, which human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, condemned as “unconstitutional.”
In a public notice issued on Friday, signed by Council Manager Mrs. Oluwakemi Oshun, Eti-Osa LGA stated that the new street names take effect immediately.
The council urged residents, businesses, and the public to update their records to reflect the changes, emphasizing that the initiative aims to promote cultural and historical significance while improving navigation, urban planning, and identity management in the area.
According to the announcement, reported by The Guardian, the renamed streets include Tony Amadasun Road in Igbo Efon, now Chief Femi Pedro Road; Dr. Udo Wogu Drive in Chevy View, changed to Chief Adebola Dosunmu Drive; and Augusta Orji Street along Aro Ologolo Road, renamed Alhaji Adio Mayegun Street.
In Osapa London, Chike Mba Close has been updated to Hon. Sikiru Ashorota Close, while Ugochukwu Orji Street in Igbo Efon is now Barr Wale Sanni Street.
Fubara Dublin Green Street, also in Igbo Efon, has been renamed Rafiu Olukolu Street.The Eti-Osa initiative has drawn mixed reactions.
Some residents and local leaders praised the effort to honor notable figures and enhance the area’s cultural identity.
The Bariga renaming, spearheaded by former council chairman Kolade Alabi, provoked widespread criticism for replacing well-known landmarks with names perceived as less significant, prompting accusations of political favoritism.
Femi Falana’s critique of the Bariga renaming as unconstitutional has fueled broader concerns about the legal framework governing such changes across Lagos.
The Eti-Osa LGA has defended its decision, stating that the renaming aligns with its mandate to enhance urban planning and reflect the area’s heritage.
However, the council has not disclosed whether public consultations were held prior to the announcement, a point likely to intensify scrutiny.
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