PDP Rejects Renaming of Streets in Lagos, Warns Against Threat to Unity

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State has strongly opposed the recent renaming of streets in some local government areas, describing the move as divisive and unconstitutional.

In a statement on Thursday, the party’s Vice-Chairman for Lagos Central, Mr. Hakeem Olalemi, criticized the renaming exercise, alleging that it targeted specific ethnic communities, particularly the Igbo.

“The Lagos PDP is hereby rejecting in totality the renaming of streets by some council chairmen. We cannot erase history because of politics,” Olalemi said.

He warned that the action could damage the state’s cosmopolitan identity and urged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to reverse the changes.

“We should be seen to be promoting unity and not to give the wrong impression to non-indigenes in the state,” he said, adding that many of the affected streets were previously named after notable individuals from other ethnic backgrounds who contributed to Lagos’ development.

Olalemi noted that the decision lacked broad consultation and threatened to seek legal redress if the government failed to revert to the status quo. “This renaming of streets arbitrarily can lead to unrest and chaos if care is not taken,” he cautioned.

Renaming actions in areas like Bariga have sparked protests, including from residents of Ilaje community, who on Wednesday opposed the change of ‘Ilaje Road’ to ‘King Sunny Ade Road.’

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana also recently condemned the street name changes, calling them unconstitutional.

The controversy continues to stir reactions as stakeholders call for a review of the renaming policy to preserve Lagos’ inclusive and diverse character.