By Muhammad Mamman
Veteran Nigerian musician and activist, Charles Oputa—widely known as Charly Boy—has urged Nigerians to shift their focus to the 2027 general elections, dismissing the recent renaming of a Lagos bus stop previously named after him.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Charly Boy said that public recognition should be reserved for individuals who have made meaningful contributions to their communities. His remarks followed the decision by the Bariga Local Council Development Area to rename the “Charly Boy Bus Stop” in Gbagada to “Olamide Baddo Bus Stop”, in honour of popular musician Olamide.
Reacting to the development, Charly Boy said:
“My sister, if you ask me, who am I supposed to ask? I don’t understand why these things are done. It all feels rather petty. These are not the issues we should be prioritising at the moment. Whether it’s named Charly Boy or Olamide Baddo or something else, it really makes no difference. What matters is the impact a person has had on their community.”
He explained that the bus stop had originally been named after him due to his close ties to the area and his contributions to the Gbagada community.
“There was a time I lived near that bus stop, and people in the area felt it was appropriate to name it after me. I made real contributions to the community—whether it was military pensioners, motorcycle riders, or young people. I even gave out scholarships,” he said.
According to him, the naming dates back to the early 1990s, shortly after the release of one of his hit songs in 1990.
Rather than dwelling on the change, Charly Boy redirected attention to Nigeria’s political landscape, urging citizens to take the forthcoming 2027 elections seriously and to demand accountability from political leaders.
“The 2027 general elections are what we should be concerned about. That’s the real issue. How will it play out? Will our votes count?” he queried.
He emphasised the importance of electing leaders who are honest, people-centred, and committed to making Nigeria self-reliant.
“We need someone who is truthful, who genuinely has the interest of the masses at heart. A leader who will do everything possible to make Nigeria self-sufficient, productive, and not just a consuming nation. Someone with compassion—not overly religious, but truly humane.”
