warning that such unilateral decisions flout the 1999 Constitution.
Falana stated that the naming and renaming of roads, streets, and house numbers are the exclusive functions of local government councils, as clearly outlined in the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution.
Citing a precedent-setting court ruling in Chief Obidi Ume v. Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, the senior advocate emphasised that courts had previously nullified similar overreaches.
In that case, the High Court ruled that only the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) had the legal authority to name roads and streets within its territory.
“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,” he said.
He particularly condemned the renaming of Charley Boy Bus Stop, a site of historical importance named by the people of Bariga and Gbagada, carried out without any consultation with the community.
Falana described the move as disrespectful to local residents and an affront to their cultural heritage.
“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 noted.
“Renaming it without consulting the Bariga and Gbagada people smacks of authoritarianism.”
Falana explained that Lagos State has retained street names celebrating colonial figures linked to oppression and exploitation, yet finds time to replace names that honour Nigerians who contributed positively to society.
However, he called on local government legislative arms across Lagos to stop the arbitrary renaming of public spaces, and instead institutionalise public hearings and legal processes before any such decisions are made.
“Streets should not be renamed arbitrarily to please the whims and caprices of political leaders or to promote ethnic chauvinism, especially in a cosmopolitan capital city like Lagos,” Falana added.
He urged adherence to due process and democratic consultation, warning that unilateral renaming erodes community identity and breaches constitutional principles.
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