The recent decision by the Lagos State Government to rename several streets across the city has sparked a wave of public concern and debate, with residents, historians, and civil society groups expressing unease over the erasure of historical identities and the lack of public consultation.
The renaming, which affects streets in key areas such as Surulere, Ikeja, and Lagos Island, is part of an ongoing government initiative to honour national heroes, political figures, and contributors to Lagos’ development. While the intention has been praised in some quarters, many Lagosians argue that the move risks eroding the city’s cultural memory and disconnecting younger generations from the state’s rich history.
Prominent historians and heritage advocates have warned that removing original street names, many of which date back to colonial times and the early post-independence era, could lead to a loss of the city’s historical narrative.
>Lagos is not just a modern city, it is a city of history,” said Dr. Olufemi Bamidele, a lecturer in urban studies. “Street names are part of our collective memory. Renaming them without proper documentation or public dialogue is like rewriting our story without the people’s consent.”
Residents of affected streets have also expressed frustration over the sudden changes, especially as many were not informed in advance. Several landlords and business owners complain about the inconvenience and cost of updating legal documents, business addresses, and signage.
>They just changed the name without even informing us. Now I have to update all my property documents and notify clients,” lamented Mrs. Bukola Ojo, a resident of Surulere.
In response to the backlash, officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development stated that the renaming exercise is meant to celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth of Lagos and Nigeria.
>The names being introduced are of those who have played vital roles in our nation’s history,” a government spokesperson said. “This is about honouring legacies and inspiring future generations.”
The spokesperson added that more engagement will be carried out moving forward to ensure transparency and public input.
Civil society groups have urged the government to put a hold on further renaming until a robust public engagement process is carried out. They also called for the creation of a historical preservation board to ensure that any changes made reflect a balance between progress and preservation.
>We are not against honouring people,” said Adeola Akinlabi of the Lagos Heritage Initiative. “But you cannot do that by wiping out other parts of our identity. We need a structured approach that respects history while embracing growth.”
As the debate continues, many believe this moment offers an opportunity for Lagos to reflect on how to modernize while preserving its past — and to ensure that decisions affecting public identity are made with the people, not just for them.
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