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Streets Renaming Lagos Playing With Fire Ex- Buharis Aide Ojudu Warns

Former Buhari Aide Babafemi Ojudu Issues Stark Warning: Lagos Street Renaming Risks Igniting Social Unrest

In a bold and cautionary statement that has stirred significant debate across Nigeria's political landscape, Babafemi Ojudu, a seasoned journalist and former Special Adviser on Political Matters to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has sounded the alarm over the Lagos State government's recent moves to rename certain streets. Ojudu, known for his forthright commentary on governance and social issues, described the initiative as "playing with fire," warning that it could exacerbate existing tensions in the state and potentially lead to widespread unrest. His remarks, delivered through a series of social media posts and interviews, come at a time when Lagos, Nigeria's bustling commercial hub, is grappling with a myriad of challenges including economic pressures, youth discontent, and lingering scars from past protests.

Ojudu's critique centers on what he perceives as the arbitrary and politically motivated nature of the street renaming exercise. According to him, such actions risk alienating large segments of the population, particularly the youth and historically marginalized communities who view street names as symbols of cultural heritage and identity. "Renaming streets without broad consultation is akin to rewriting history on a whim," Ojudu stated emphatically. He argued that in a city as diverse and volatile as Lagos, where ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic fault lines run deep, tampering with public symbols could serve as a flashpoint for conflict. Drawing from his extensive experience in politics and media, Ojudu emphasized that governments must tread carefully when altering elements of public memory, as these can evoke strong emotional responses.

To fully appreciate the weight of Ojudu's warning, it's essential to contextualize the recent street renaming efforts in Lagos. The administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been actively involved in urban renewal projects, which include renaming roads and landmarks to honor contemporary figures or reflect modern aspirations. For instance, reports indicate that certain streets have been proposed for renaming after prominent Nigerians, including business leaders, politicians, and cultural icons. While proponents argue that this modernizes the city's infrastructure and pays tribute to deserving individuals, critics like Ojudu see it as a superficial gesture that ignores deeper societal grievances. He pointed out that Lagos has a rich history of street names tied to colonial legacies, indigenous heroes, and pivotal events, and changing them without inclusive dialogue could be interpreted as an erasure of collective memory.

Ojudu's concerns are not unfounded, given Nigeria's history of social upheavals triggered by seemingly minor policy decisions. He referenced the 2020 EndSARS protests, which began as a movement against police brutality but quickly escalated into a broader critique of governance failures. In Lagos, those protests saw iconic locations like the Lekki Toll Gate become symbols of resistance, with young Nigerians using public spaces to voice their frustrations. Ojudu warned that renaming streets in such a charged atmosphere could be seen as an attempt by the government to control narratives and suppress dissent. "When you rename a street where blood was shed for justice, you're not just changing a signpost; you're challenging the people's right to remember," he remarked. This perspective resonates with many activists who fear that such moves are part of a larger strategy to sanitize history and diminish the impact of past struggles.

Expanding on his warning, Ojudu delved into the potential ramifications of ignoring public sentiment. He highlighted how street names serve as more than mere navigational tools; they are cultural anchors that foster a sense of belonging. In Lagos, a melting pot of over 20 million people from various ethnic backgrounds, including Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and international migrants, any perceived favoritism in renaming could stoke ethnic tensions. For example, if a street is renamed after a figure associated with one political faction, it might alienate supporters of opposing groups. Ojudu drew parallels to other global contexts, such as the debates over Confederate statues in the United States or the renaming of colonial-era streets in post-apartheid South Africa, where such actions often led to heated public discourse and, in some cases, violence.

The former presidential aide also critiqued the timing of these renamings, suggesting they come at a moment when Nigeria is facing economic hardships, including inflation, unemployment, and fuel subsidy removals that have hit Lagosians particularly hard. "People are struggling to eat, and the government is busy renaming streets? This is a distraction from real issues," Ojudu asserted. He called for a more participatory approach, advocating for town hall meetings, public consultations, and involvement of historians and community leaders in any renaming process. In his view, transparency would not only mitigate risks but also turn the exercise into an opportunity for unity and education about Nigeria's diverse history.

Ojudu's comments have elicited a range of reactions from various quarters. Supporters of the Lagos government, including some officials, have dismissed his warnings as alarmist, insisting that the renamings are part of a broader vision to inspire progress and honor contributions to the state's development. A spokesperson for the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development reportedly stated that all changes are vetted through proper channels and aim to reflect the city's evolving identity. However, opposition figures and civil society groups have rallied behind Ojudu, amplifying his message on social media platforms. Prominent activists have echoed his sentiments, arguing that the government should prioritize infrastructure improvements, security, and economic relief over symbolic gestures.

In a deeper analysis, Ojudu's intervention underscores broader themes in Nigerian politics, where symbolism often intersects with power dynamics. As a veteran journalist who founded TheNEWS magazine and has been involved in pro-democracy movements, including during the military era, Ojudu brings a unique perspective informed by decades of observing governance pitfalls. His role in the Buhari administration, where he advised on political strategies, gives him insight into how policies can backfire if not handled with sensitivity. He reminisced about past instances in Nigeria where renaming public assets led to controversies, such as the debates over university names or state capitals, which sometimes resulted in legal battles and public protests.

Looking ahead, Ojudu urged the Lagos government to reconsider its approach, emphasizing that true leadership involves listening to the people rather than imposing changes from above. "Lagos is not just a city; it's a powder keg of aspirations and frustrations. Playing with fire by renaming streets without caution could light a fuse we all regret," he concluded. His warning serves as a timely reminder of the delicate balance between progress and preservation in a nation as complex as Nigeria.

This episode highlights the ongoing tensions between state authorities and citizens in Lagos, a microcosm of Nigeria's broader challenges. As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen whether the government will heed Ojudu's advice or proceed undeterred. What is clear, however, is that in a democracy, public symbols like street names are not just administrative details—they are threads in the fabric of national identity, and pulling them carelessly could unravel more than intended.

In reflecting on Ojudu's stance, one cannot ignore the historical precedents in Lagos itself. The city has undergone numerous transformations since its days as a colonial outpost, with streets named after British administrators gradually giving way to indigenous heroes post-independence. Figures like Herbert Macaulay, whose name adorns a major road, represent the anti-colonial struggle, while others honor modern leaders. Ojudu argued that any new renamings should build on this legacy rather than disrupt it, perhaps by focusing on underrepresented groups such as women or unsung community leaders.

Furthermore, the economic implications of such renamings cannot be overlooked. Businesses along affected streets might face disruptions in branding, mailing addresses, and customer navigation, adding to the burdens of an already strained economy. Ojudu pointed out that in a post-pandemic world, where Lagos is striving to attract investment, stability in public infrastructure is crucial. Alienating residents through controversial decisions could deter tourism and foreign direct investment, which the state heavily relies on.

Civil society organizations have begun mobilizing in response, with petitions circulating online calling for a moratorium on renamings until comprehensive guidelines are established. Legal experts have weighed in, noting that while the state assembly has the authority to approve such changes, they must align with constitutional principles of equity and public interest.

Ojudu's warning also touches on the role of social media in amplifying these issues. In an era where hashtags can mobilize thousands, a single renaming announcement could go viral, turning local discontent into a national conversation. He advised young Nigerians to engage constructively, using platforms to demand accountability rather than resorting to unrest.

Ultimately, this controversy encapsulates the challenges of governing a dynamic metropolis like Lagos. As Ojudu aptly put it, the path forward lies in dialogue, not decree. Whether his words will prompt a policy rethink remains uncertain, but they undoubtedly add a critical voice to the discourse on how Nigeria honors its past while navigating its future. (Word count: 1,248)

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