Personality in Focus
Renaming of Streets in Lagos: A Dangerous Descent into Tribal Politics and Hatred
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By Monday Onyekachi Ubani
The recent decision by the outgoing Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Kolade Alabi David, to rename the popular Charly Boy Bus Stop to Baddo Bus Stop in honour of Nigerian artist Olamide and others may appear harmless on the surface. It may even seem laudable to those who admire the artist’s impact on Nigerian entertainment.
However, beneath the surface lies a disturbing trend that requires urgent national reflection and condemnation, the systematic and silent erasure of certain historical street names in Lagos, especially those reflecting the cultural identity and heritage of non-Yoruba residents.
This is not the first time such a policy has crept into the consciousness of Lagosians. Slowly but surely, what once was a cosmopolitan city that embraced all tribes, cultures, and peoples, is sliding into an ethnocentric experiment where names of streets and public places associated with non-Yoruba citizens are being wiped off the map without justification or consultation.
Let us be clear: this practice is archaic, divisive, and dangerously tribalistic. It has no place in a modern democracy and only serves to take Nigeria back to the Stone Age. In a multi-ethnic federation like ours, unity in diversity must be preserved at all costs, especially by those in leadership positions.
No cogent or official explanation has been given for this disturbing trend. Were the original names imposed illegally? Were they not approved by the same arms of government now reversing them with reckless abandon? Were these names not given at a time when Lagos stood tall as a beacon of national unity, hospitality, and inclusiveness?
The absence of clear policy guidelines or public engagement suggests something more sinister – an attempt to rewrite the cultural history of Lagos in a way that marginalizes certain ethnic groups, particularly the Igbo community, whose contributions to the growth of Lagos are not just historical but ongoing and appreciable.
Nigeria is already hanging on a delicate thread of national unity, strained by insecurity, governance issues, and ethnic profiling. At such a time, any action by public officials, even at the local government level that promotes ethnic division or marginalisation, must be rejected in the strongest terms.
I have lived in Lagos since the 1980s. I built my law practice here. My friends, clients, professional colleagues, employees, and even church members come from different tribes, predominantly Yoruba. I was once a Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch. The Lagos I knew, and still want to believe in, is the Lagos that gives all Nigerians a fair chance at life, peace, and prosperity, regardless of their state of origin.
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. This is why I am shocked that some Local Government Chairmen in Lagos are leading this wave of retrogressive ethnocentrism, not realising that it undermines the shared values that have held Lagos together as Nigeria’s melting pot.
If Lagos must continue to shine as the commercial capital of Nigeria, then it must be managed with maturity and inclusiveness. Those in government must understand that every policy has consequences – both seen and unseen. The international community, investors, and even ordinary Nigerians watching from afar will interpret these renaming exercises as signs of growing intolerance, state-backed discrimination, and a lack of cohesion within our federation.
If streets named after non-Yoruba figures are being deliberately removed without any history of criminality or impropriety attached to the persons being removed, then what message are we sending? That Lagos is now a state lived by one ethnic group only? Does history and memory have no place in the state’s public policy?
It is not enough to name a street after one musician while simultaneously removing a name (a musician too) that has stood for decades and carries sentimental or historical significance. These acts, however subtle, communicate hostility to coexistence and must be halted immediately.
I write this article not just to condemn but to seek answers. I call on the Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to explain what informed these recent renaming actions. Were these names removed with the consent of residents? Was there any public hearing or community input?
Policies that alienate, exclude, or erase certain communities are antithetical to the ideals of democracy, federalism, and nation-building. Lagos must not become a theatre of ethnic cleansing through street names. We must reverse this tide before it becomes the new normal.
This pattern of conduct by local government officials in Lagos, if not checked, will erode the minimal gains we have made in promoting national integration. It is uncivilised, unproductive, and ultimately destructive.
Let us be reminded that the greatness of Nigeria, and indeed Lagos – lies not in the dominance of one tribe over others, but in the peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and appreciation of our rich diversity.
Let aggravated and systemic hatred through public policy be stopped! It is a solemn plea!
Dr M.O. Ubani SAN, a Legal and Policy Analyst, writes from Lagos
Distinguished legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, has reached another defining milestone in his illustrious career after earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) honours in Law from Babcock University.
The new feat is a definite declaration that his academic journey is far from over just as he seeks the next frontier – professorship.
Ubani was among a select group of scholars conferred with doctoral degrees during the university’s 2026 convocation ceremony, an event that celebrated academic excellence, research and innovation. The colourful ceremony attracted government officials, members of the Bench and Bar, academics, family members and well-wishers from across the country, National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who attended the convocation as a special guest, congratulated the graduating students on their academic accomplishments and challenged them to deploy their knowledge, research and expertise towards national development. He also commended Babcock University for its sustained commitment to quality education, impactful research and the development of highly skilled professionals.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Afolarin Ojewole, described the convocation as a celebration of discipline, sacrifice, resilience and scholarly excellence. “Earning a PhD represents years of rigorous research, critical inquiry and unwavering commitment to knowledge,” he said, noting that the achievement reflected not only the graduates’ determination but also the invaluable support of supervisors, lecturers, families, friends and the wider academic community. He added that the newly conferred doctoral graduates now bear the responsibility of contributing meaningfully to public policy, professional practice, national development and the global body of knowledge through research and innovation.
Among the highlights of the ceremony was the conferment of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law on Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, whose latest academic accomplishment further reinforces his reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost legal minds and a passionate advocate of lifelong learning.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the ceremony, the elated Ubani described the doctoral journey as one of the most intellectually demanding experiences of his life. “The journey does not end with the graduation ceremony. There are still administrative processes to complete. It is a very rigorous journey, but it is worth every sacrifice,” he said.
He encouraged professionals across different fields, including journalists, to embrace higher education, describing the PhD as “the last bus stop of knowledge.”
“I recommend a PhD for everyone, including journalists, if you can. It is a worthwhile experience that broadens your knowledge and perspective,” he stated.
Despite attaining one of the highest academic qualifications available, Ubani revealed that his ambitions remain alive. “The next step is professorship. I’m going for it. I want to start lecturing. Once I have a university where I’m lecturing, I will begin writing more. I’m a good writer; I even write better than I speak. By the grace of God, I believe He will make it happen. I have become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, I have become a doctor, and I also hope to become a professor,” he said.
Offering words of encouragement to young Nigerians, Ubani urged them to remain steadfast in pursuing their aspirations through perseverance, diligence and faith.
“My message to the younger generation is that they must persevere. But, most importantly, they must know God. If you have God in your life, there is nothing you cannot achieve. There is nothing you cannot do if God is with you,” he said.
He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to his family, mentors, colleagues and friends for their unwavering support throughout the demanding doctoral programme, describing the achievement as a testament to God’s grace, hard work and the encouragement of those who believed in him. The convocation concluded with the formal conferment of doctoral degrees on successful candidates, as Babcock University charged the new PhD holders to uphold the highest standards of scholarship, integrity and service while applying their research to address societal challenges and advance national development.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has announced the passing of his immediate elder brother, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi.
The monarch made the announcement in a statement released on Sunday through the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal.
Describing the late prince as a respected businessman and compassionate leader, the Ooni said Prince Adetunji lived a life dedicated to service, humility and the wellbeing of others.
According to the statement, the death of Prince Adetunji has left a deep void in the Ogunwusi family, the Ojaja Royal Dynasty and the entire Ile-Ife Kingdom.
Prince Adetunji, who was born on December 8, 1967, was a member of the Ojaja lineage of the Giesi Ruling House in Ile-Ife. He was also the Group Chairman of Primewaterview Holdings, where he earned recognition for his contributions to business development and entrepreneurship.
The Ooni noted that his late brother built a reputation as an innovative entrepreneur and visionary leader. Through his business activities, he created opportunities for many people and contributed to economic growth in different sectors.
The monarch further stated that beyond his achievements in business, Prince Adetunji was known for his generosity, kindness and commitment to humanitarian causes. He was said to have quietly supported many individuals and families, offering assistance, guidance and encouragement whenever needed.
The statement added that Prince Adetunji’s influence extended beyond the corporate world, as he remained deeply connected to his roots and maintained a strong interest in the progress and development of Ile-Ife and its people.
The Ooni described his late brother as a dependable adviser, a loving family member and a man whose legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
Family members, friends, associates and well wishers have continued to pay tribute to the late prince, remembering him for his humility, wisdom and positive impact on society.
The palace said further details regarding funeral arrangements and other ceremonies would be announced by the family in due course.
Prince Adetunji’s death marks a significant loss to the royal family and the people of Ile-Ife, who will remember him for his service, leadership and dedication to humanity.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has elected Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as its next president after she polled the most votes when voting officially ended Sunday morning.
Mrs Badejo-Okusanya, the only female among the three presidential candidates, polled 12,317 votes to emerge the winner of the election, which was held through electronic voting for 24 hours. from 7:35 a.m. on Saturday to 7:34 a.m. on Sunday
She defeated her two challengers, polling 47.18 per cent of the 26,106 ballots cast in the presidential election, based on the final tally…
