Street Renaming In Lagos: Tribalism Concerns Rise As SAN Warns Of ‘Dangerous Descent’

Dr. M.O. Ubani, SAN, a prominent legal and policy analyst, has expressed serious concerns regarding recent street renaming practices in Lagos, particularly within Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

In a strongly worded statement, Ubani accused officials of engaging in a “dangerous descent into tribal politics and hatred,” alleging a systematic effort to erase historical street names that reflect the cultural identity of non-Yoruba residents.

The controversy stems from the recent renaming of Charly Boy Bus Stop in Bariga LCDA to Baddo Bus Stop, ostensibly in honor of Nigerian artist Olamide.

While acknowledging the potential merit of recognising local artists, Dr. Ubani argued that this seemingly innocuous act masks a more insidious trend.

“Beneath the surface lies a disturbing pattern… the systematic and silent erasure of certain historical street names in Lagos, especially those reflecting the cultural identity and heritage of non-Yoruba residents,” he stated.

Ubani emphasised that this practice is not an isolated incident but part of a gradual shift away from Lagos’s historical status as a cosmopolitan city embracing all cultures.

He condemned the practice as “archaic, divisive, and dangerously tribalistic,” arguing that it undermines national unity and risks pushing Nigeria back “to the Stone Age.”

The SAN questioned the rationale behind these renaming actions, highlighting the lack of transparency and community consultation.

“No cogent or official explanation has been offered for this disturbing trend… Were these names removed with the consent of residents? Was there any public hearing or community input solicited?”

He specifically cited concerns about the potential marginalisation of the Igbo community, whose contributions to Lagos’s growth are “historical, ongoing, and appreciable.”

Ubani argued that these actions risk rewriting the cultural history of Lagos in a way that excludes certain ethnic groups.

Drawing on his personal experience of living and working in Lagos since the 1980s, Ubani portrayed a city that has traditionally offered equal opportunities to all Nigerians, regardless of their origin.

He expressed disappointment that some Local Government Chairmen appear to be promoting ethnocentric policies that contradict the progressive values historically associated with the Yoruba people.

“This rising trend of street renaming based on ethnic calculations betrays the progressive and sophisticated image of the Yoruba people, a people known for education, enterprise, and political sagacity,” Ubani lamented.

He warned that these actions send a negative message to the international community, investors, and other Nigerians, portraying Lagos as increasingly intolerant and lacking cohesion.

He raised the specter of state-backed discrimination and questioned the long-term impact on national integration.

Dr. Ubani called on the Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to provide a clear explanation for the recent renaming actions.

He demanded greater transparency and robust community involvement in future decisions that impact the cultural heritage of Lagos.

“Lagos must not become a theatre of ethnic cleansing through street names. We must reverse this tide before it becomes the new normal,” he urged.

He emphasised that the strength of Lagos and Nigeria lies in its diversity and called for an end to policies that promote division and hatred.