Google Maps Changes Olamide Baddo Bus Stop Name, Sparking Heated Discussions: "You Can't Just Erase History"
The recent update by Google Maps reflecting the renaming of the iconic Charly Boy bus stop to Olamide Baddo bus stop has stirred a wave of reactions—from admiration to disagreement—reminding us how deeply connected people are to our landmarks and their histories. But here's where it gets controversial: can simply changing a name on a map rewrite collective memory?
In a significant acknowledgment, Google has updated its map data to show the bus stop's new name, Olamide Baddo bus stop, a few months after Lagos officially renamed this well-known public spot. Jubril Gawat, Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, shared a screenshot on October 8, 2025, revealing Google's update and confirming the renaming’s acceptance by the tech giant.
This spot, formerly known as Charly Boy bus stop, is located in Bariga and is now named after Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Baddo, a celebrated local singer. This follows an initiative launched in July 2025 by Kolade Alabi David, Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area, who announced multiple street and site name changes aimed at honoring notable individuals who have made the community proud both locally and internationally.
Besides Olamide, other landmarks like Ilaje Road have been renamed after legendary Juju musician King Sunny Ade. The renaming effort also celebrated personalities such as President Tinubu, Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu, and artists like 9ice and Tony Tetuila, alongside international football star Bukayo Saka. This comprehensive homage showcases Bariga’s pride in its heroes.
The announcement sparked a lively online debate, with netizens voicing a variety of perspectives. Some humorously pointed out that no matter the name change, old habits die hard, with one user noting the absurdity of expecting food prices to drop just because street names change. Others insisted the original name, Charly Boy, remains etched in public memory and should not be replaced so easily. One popular comment stated, "You can’t erase time," highlighting the emotional attachment to historical names.
Some expressed disappointment, wondering if the celebrations over a renamed bus stop reflected misplaced priorities among the youth. Others joked about the confusion that might arise when giving directions using the new name, saying that calling it "Charlie busstop" would still send you elsewhere entirely.
Interestingly, Charly Boy himself, the 75-year-old iconic entertainer after whom the bus stop was originally named, visited the newly named Olamide Baddo Bus Stop. He took the change lightly, playfully suggesting that if the government can rename a bus stop, perhaps they might as well name an airport after a DJ or turn the National Assembly into a comedy club. His relaxed attitude adds a touch of humor but also underscores a deeper message: while names carry significance, life moves on beyond such changes.
This name change by the Lagos council and its reflection on Google Maps truly reveals how names of public spaces serve as points of pride and identity but can also ignite controversy. What do you think? Is this rebranding a worthy tribute to new heroes, or should we preserve the historical names that communities have long cherished? Share your thoughts and join the debate—can a new name erase old memories, or does the past always linger on?
Source: Legit.ng
