Lagos, Nigeria — Veteran entertainer and activist, Charly Boy, has publicly criticized the Lagos State Government for renaming a popular bus stop previously known as “Fela Shrine” to a new designation, calling the move an attempt to “erase history and suppress cultural icons.”
In a strongly worded post shared on social media, Charly Boy, known for his bold activism and controversial views, condemned the renaming, declaring, “You can’t erase fire!” — a reference to the enduring legacy of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, whose influence continues to burn brightly in Nigeria and beyond.
“This is not just a name change,” Charly Boy wrote. “It’s an insult to our collective memory and a calculated move to rewrite the history of resistance and culture that Fela represented. Lagos is trying to bury what it cannot control.”
The renamed bus stop, which previously bore a name associated with Fela’s iconic music and activism, has sparked outrage from fans, rights groups, and cultural advocates, many of whom view the change as an affront to Nigeria’s artistic heritage.
Critics are demanding an immediate reversal of the decision, arguing that Fela’s contributions to music, civil rights, and political consciousness deserve to be celebrated, not erased.
The Lagos State Government has yet to officially respond to the backlash, but insiders suggest the move may have been part of a broader rebranding or development agenda. However, opponents argue that such changes should not come at the cost of cultural history.
The debate continues to grow, with many Nigerians echoing Charly Boy’s sentiments: Fela may be gone, but the fire he started still burns — and it cannot be erased.