‘Let’s Face 2027 Elections,’ Charly Boy Dismisses Bus Stop Renaming Controversy

 Veteran entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, on July 28, 2025, urged Nigerians to shift focus toward the 2027 general elections, brushing aside the recent renaming of a bus stop in his honour to “Olamide Baddo Bus Stop” in Lagos. 

Speaking during an interview on Nigeria Info FM, Charly Boy, aged 74, described the decision by the Lagos State Government as a minor distraction, stating, “Let’s not waste energy on petty politics; the real battle is ahead in 2027.” The renaming, part of a broader street and bus stop rebranding initiative announced on July 25, replaced “Charly Boy Bus Stop” in Gbagada with the name of popular musician Olamide, sparking public debate over cultural recognition.

Charly Boy, a prominent figure in the 2012 Occupy Nigeria protests, suggested the move might reflect political motives tied to his criticism of the current administration, though he offered no evidence. The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation defended the change as part of a policy to honor contemporary icons, with Olamide’s global influence cited as justification. 

Critics, including cultural historian Sola Olorunyomi, argue it erases historical figures like Charly Boy, who shaped Nigeria’s entertainment landscape, while supporters see it as a nod to youth culture. The narrative of moving forward politically is Charly Boy’s focus, but the renaming controversy underscores deeper tensions over legacy and governance, with the 2027 elections looming as a critical juncture.