By John Umeh
Just days after Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) made headlines for renaming the popular Charly Boy bus stop after music icon Olamide, another local government in Lagos—Eti-Osa—has followed suit by renaming six major streets in its jurisdiction. The development signals what many observers are calling a growing trend among Lagos councils to celebrate cultural icons and reposition the identity of local communities through street renaming initiatives.
The Eti-Osa Local Government, located in one of Lagos State’s most influential and upscale districts, announced the renaming exercise as part of a broader effort to recognize individuals and causes that have contributed significantly to national growth, local development, and community pride. The names of the newly renamed streets have not yet been fully disclosed at the time of this report, but council officials confirmed the changes reflect both historical and contemporary figures whose legacies resonate with the people of Eti-Osa.
Speaking at the unveiling event, an official of the council noted that the move aims to “honour individuals who have shaped our cultural, economic, and social environment,” and that the decision had the full support of community stakeholders and traditional leaders.
This action comes on the heels of the widely praised decision by Bariga LCDA to rename Charly Boy bus stop as “Olamide Bus Stop” in honour of the award-winning rapper and music executive, Olamide Adedeji, who hails from the Bariga area. That gesture sparked both celebration and debate across social media, with many calling for similar honours to be extended to other Nigerian creatives and public figures who have influenced society in meaningful ways.
Observers believe Eti-Osa’s move may be inspired by the overwhelming public response to Bariga’s initiative and could mark the beginning of a broader cultural renaissance across Lagos councils. Some urban development analysts have also linked the renaming trend to efforts by local governments to assert their identity, encourage tourism, and foster civic pride.
However, reactions to the renaming have been mixed. While many residents applaud the move as long overdue recognition of both living and historical contributors to Lagos’ growth, others argue that local governments should prioritize infrastructure improvements and social welfare over symbolic gestures.
Regardless of the differing opinions, what’s clear is that Lagos is experiencing a wave of hyper-local identity reform, with street names becoming tools for storytelling, honour, and history preservation. As more councils consider similar actions, the trend may usher in a new era where the names on street signs reflect not just colonial or administrative history, but the lived experiences and pride of the people who walk those roads every day.
