Lagos's Street Renaming: A Dangerous Game with History and Identity

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  Politics and Government on Thu, Aug 21st, 2025 by LEADERSHIP Newspaper

Lagos is changing its street names. What seems like a simple administrative update is, according to former Presidential Special Assistant Laolu Ojo, a potentially volatile move that risks igniting social unrest and erasing vital historical memory. The ongoing initiative, spearheaded by the Lagos State Geographic Information System (GIS), aims to replace English names with Yoruba equivalents across the state, sparking considerable debate and concern amongst residents and observers alike.

Ojo’s warning, published in Leadership Nigeria, centers on the potential for unintended consequences stemming from this large-scale renaming project. While he acknowledges the desire to promote local language and culture – a sentiment echoed by many within the Lagos State government – he argues that the process is being rushed and lacks sufficient consultation with communities and historical experts. The current approach, he contends, risks alienating significant portions of the population and creating confusion, particularly for those who have lived and worked in these areas for decades under the existing names.

The core issue isn't necessarily the principle of incorporating Yoruba language into place naming. Ojo points out that many streets already bear Yoruba names alongside their English counterparts, a testament to the city’s complex cultural heritage. The problem lies in the abruptness and perceived imposition of this change, particularly given Lagos’s diverse population which includes significant numbers of Igbo, Hausa, and other ethnic groups who have contributed to its development and identity.

The article highlights several specific concerns. Firstly, the lack of transparency surrounding the selection process for new names is fueling suspicion and resentment. Residents feel excluded from a decision that directly impacts their daily lives and sense of belonging. Secondly, the potential disruption to businesses and services is substantial. Imagine navigating a city where addresses are constantly changing – delivery services become unreliable, emergency responders struggle to locate addresses accurately, and residents face ongoing confusion. The economic implications alone could be significant.

Furthermore, Ojo emphasizes the importance of preserving historical context. Many streets in Lagos bear names that commemorate significant events or individuals from Nigeria’s colonial and post-colonial history. Replacing these names with less meaningful alternatives risks erasing valuable lessons about the past and severing connections to important figures who shaped the city's trajectory. He specifically mentions Victoria Island, named after Queen Victoria, as an example of a place name laden with historical significance that deserves careful consideration before being altered.

The article also touches upon the political undertones of the renaming initiative. While proponents frame it as a cultural revival and a celebration of Yoruba identity, critics view it as a politically motivated attempt to assert dominance by one ethnic group over others in a city known for its inter-ethnic harmony – or at least, a fragile peace maintained through mutual respect. The timing of the project, occurring amidst heightened political tensions ahead of the 2023 elections, has only amplified these concerns.

Ojo’s analysis draws parallels to similar situations in other parts of Africa where attempts to impose cultural uniformity have backfired, leading to social divisions and conflict. He argues that a more inclusive and consultative approach is crucial for ensuring the success of any place-naming initiative. This includes engaging with community leaders, historical societies, and residents from all ethnic backgrounds to ensure that the new names are not only culturally appropriate but also reflect the diverse heritage of Lagos.

The article concludes with a plea for caution and a call for a more measured approach. Ojo urges the Lagos State government to pause the renaming project, conduct a thorough review of its potential impact, and engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders before proceeding further. He warns that playing with identity and history is a dangerous game, one that could have far-reaching consequences for the stability and unity of Lagos. The risk, he argues, is not simply about changing street names; it’s about potentially fracturing the social fabric of Nigeria's most vibrant and economically important city. Ultimately, Ojo’s message resonates with a growing chorus of voices in Lagos who fear that this well-intentioned initiative could inadvertently sow discord and undermine the very values of inclusivity and diversity that have long defined the city. The future of Lagos may depend on whether its leaders heed these warnings and prioritize dialogue over imposition.