Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has described the recent renaming of public landmarks in Lagos as a misplaced priority.
Dockaysworld reports that in a recent video, the politician and businessman said such actions hold no significance in a country battling severe economic hardship.
The former Anambra State governor made his position known during a recent conversation with veteran entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy. The discussion followed widespread reactions to the decision of the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to rename several streets and facilities within its jurisdiction—including the iconic Charly Boy Bus Stop, now renamed Olamide Baddo Bus Stop, in honour of the popular Nigerian musician, Olamide Gbenga Adedeji.
The renaming, which also affected other locations previously bearing Igbo names, led to public outrage and calls for a reversal, with critics accusing the local authorities of being biased and having misplaced priorities.
Reacting to the controversy, Obi dismissed the development as irrelevant, stating that the attention of public officials should be on tackling poverty, unemployment, and the rising cost of living.
“To me, it is totally irrelevant when you have millions of people who don’t know where their next meal will come from,” Obi remarked.
He went on to compare the present trend with his leadership style as governor, noting that he consistently rejected attempts to name public projects after him or his family.
“I built a facility in a hospital, and the owner suggested it be named after me or my mother. I refused,” he said. “All the projects I undertook were funded by public money, so I saw no reason to put my name on any of them.”
Obi also explained that he never held elaborate commissioning ceremonies during his time in office.
He said the decision contributed to public perception that his administration lacked publicity.
