Shola Akinyele
Popular activist and entertainer, Charles Oputa, widely known as Charly Boy or Area Fada, has responded with powerful words after reports emerged that the famous Charly Boy Bus Stop in the Gbagada-Bariga axis of Lagos has allegedly been renamed.
In a viral post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the outspoken icon didn’t hold back his feelings, saying the act is not just about changing a name—but an attempt to silence a legacy that has stood the test of time.
“You can rename a place… but you can’t rename a legacy. You can replace the signboard… but you can’t erase the spirit,” Charly Boy declared in the emotionally charged statement.
The bus stop, widely referred to by Lagosians as Charly Boy Bus Stop, was not a title given by politicians or government bodies, but one popularly coined by the people — a tribute to the decades-long influence of Charly Boy in championing social justice, freedom of expression, and rebellion against oppression.
Reacting to the renaming, Charly Boy described it as an act born out of fear — “fear of a boy who refused to bow, fear of a man who challenged the oppressors, fear of someone who didn’t beg the system to be accepted.”
He continued:
“Bariga, Gbagada, the entire Lagos knows the truth. That name Charly Boy Bus Stop was not given by politicians. It was named by the people — the same people Fada fought for, walked with, and empowered.”
In a powerful parting shot to those allegedly behind the name change, he wrote:
“So go ahead, change the name. But remember — you can’t change the truth. You can’t erase fire. Area Fada no dey finish.”
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