Unfazed by the recent renaming of the Charly Boy Bus Stop in Gbagada, Lagos, veteran Nigerian singer and campaigner Charles Oputa, better known by his stage name Charly Boy, has urged Nigerians to pay closer attention to the general elections in 2027. He emphasized that anybody who has made a significant contribution to the community should receive acknowledgment during his appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday.
The Bariga Local Council Development Area has changed the iconic bus stop’s name to Olamide Baddo Bus Stop in honor of the popular musician Olamide.
Charly Boy, as he’s commonly known as said, “My sister, if you ask me nah who I go ask? I don’t know why they do the things they do, because it seems to be a little petty. A lot more petty because those are not the things we should be talking about right now.
“Those are not priorities. Whether you name it Charly Boy or Olamide Baddo, or whatever, it’s neither here nor there. “It doesn’t matter. Anybody who has done something for their community can take the shine. It doesn’t really matter to me,”
He clarified that due of his longstanding ties to the Gbagada neighborhood, the bus stop was first named after him.
“Once upon a time, I lived around the bus stop, and that was why people who were in Gbagada at that time felt it was just the right thing to name a bus stop after me. Honestly, I contributed to that community. Both the military pensioner, the Okada riders, young persons and everybody. I gave scholarships to young people.
“I recall that the bus stop was given its name following the 1990 publication of my song. Thus, it was around 1991 or 1992″
The performer suggested that Nigerians focus on their country’s political destiny rather than the bus stop’s renaming, especially as the national elections in 2027 approach. He cautioned against endorsing politicians who prioritize reviving their own empires above tackling the problems facing the country.
“The 2027 general election is what we should be worrying about. Let’s face what is facing us 2027 election, how e go be? Will our votes count?,” he inquired.
