“It Wasn’t About Fame”: Charly Boy Speaks Out After Bus Stop Named in His Honor Gets Renamed

Veteran singer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has shared the emotional story behind the naming of the now-controversial Charly Boy Bus Stop in Lagos, saying it was a symbol of grassroots recognition, not celebrity status or political favor.

Appearing on The Morning Brief on Channels TV, the 74-year-old artist revealed that the bus stop, located in Gbagada, was named after him in the 1990s by residents who appreciated his contributions to the community—not by politicians or media hype.

“Once upon a time, I used to live right there. People in the area felt it was only right to name the place after me because of what I did for them,” he said.

The naming, Charly Boy explained, came after years of direct community support. He recalled offering scholarships, helping struggling families, and providing aid to pensioners, students, and motorcyclists (okada riders) in the area.

“I don’t usually talk about what I’ve done, but I did try for my people. It wasn’t about popularity. It was about impact,” he added.

His comments follow recent reports that the Bariga Local Council Development Area had officially renamed the bus stop after award-winning rapper and music executive Olamide, sparking mixed reactions among Lagosians.

While Charly Boy expressed deep respect for Olamide, he criticized the move, suggesting it was politically motivated.

“To take my name off and call it something else now… I see it as petty. It’s not about Olamide; it’s the intention behind the change. It’s an attempt to erase the community’s memory and rewrite history for political gain,” he said.

The renaming has triggered debate online, with some defending the council’s decision while others argue that local history and grassroots contributions should not be so easily dismissed.