LAGOS, Nigeria — Veteran singer and entertainer, Charles Oputa popularly known as Charly Boy or Area Fada has taken a swipe at the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) for renaming the iconic ‘Charly Boy Bus Stop’ at Gbagada to ‘Baddo Bus Stop’ as part of a new street rebranding effort.
The name change was announced on Friday by the Chairman, Kolade David, who stated that the renaming was to honour notable Nigerian entertainers, politicians, and other public figures who have brought pride to Bariga and contributed to Nigeria’s global image through their craft and contributions, reports Channels TV.
The announcement has sparked outright criticisms from Nigerians both at home and abroad as Area Fada has taken to his X (formerly Twitter) handle to describe the move as an attempt to erase his legacy, which he says is not possible.
“You can rename a place, but you can’t rename a legacy,” he wrote: Area Fada described the move as a reaction from those threatened by his refusal to conform to political pressure.
“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.”
He also emphasised that the bus stop was not named by the government but by the people who had recognised his impact in the community.
“Bariga, Gbagada, the entire Lagos knows the truth. That name Charly Boy Bus Stop was not given by a politician. It was named by the people, the same people Fada fought for, walked with, and empowered.
“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,” he said.
