Activist politician, Omoyele Sowore, has strongly condemned the recent renaming of several Lagos streets by state government officials, describing the action as part of a "xenophobic and divisive agenda."
The controversy erupted after a video circulating on social media showed officials announcing the renaming of the popular Charly Boy Bus Stop to Olamide Baddo Bus Stop, sparking outrage among residents and concerned Nigerians.
In a statement released on Saturday, Sowore argued that the renaming exercise "appears to be orchestrated to target specific ethnic groups and punish political opponents of the ruling APC regime in Lagos."
"The manner in which the renamings are being carried out leaves no doubt that this is not merely a matter of urban planning, but a calculated political vendetta," Sowore stated.
The activist politician emphasized that Lagos does not belong to any specific tribe and called for an immediate reversal of the action. "These actions must be reversed. The public must resist this creeping authoritarianism masked as civic order," he insisted.
Sowore further warned, "We will not watch in silence as Lagos is weaponized for tribal, political, or ideological cleansing."
The renaming initiative has been criticized by many who claim it is more about politics than genuine urban development concerns. Critics argue that such actions could potentially deepen ethnic tensions in Nigeria's commercial capital.
This controversy comes amid growing concerns about ethnic relations in Lagos, with some observers noting that the timing and manner of implementation suggest political motivations rather than administrative necessity.
The Lagos State Government has yet to issue an official response to Sowore's criticism or address the broader public outcry regarding the street renaming exercise.
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