Press Release
The recent wave of street renaming in Lagos State, particularly in Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), has sparked widespread concern over the erosion of cultural inclusivity and the marginalization of non Yoruba communities, especially Ndi Igbo. The decision, spearheaded by outgoing Chairman Kolade Alabi David, is not only ethically divisive but also legally questionable, raising serious concerns about the abuse of power by the outgoing Chairman and the marginalization of the Ndi Igbo community in Lagos.
Otu Oka-Iwu Abuja endorses the views expressed by Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, Dr. Monday Ubani, SAN, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, and other civic voices who have condemned the renaming of historically significant streets without public consultation or State Government approval. Mr. Femi Falan, SAN described the actions as unconstitutional, authoritarian, and undemocratic, while Dr. Monday Ubani, SAN described the renaming trend as a “dangerous descent into tribal politics and hatred,” warning that it undermines Lagos’ legacy as a cosmopolitan hub. Mr. Omoyele Sowore, activist and former presidential candidate, called the renaming exercise “xenophobic” and “politically vindictive,” alleging that it targets specific ethnic groups and erases legacies tied to creative resistance and cultural diversity. The leaders emphasized that Lagos belongs to no single tribe, and any policy that promotes exclusion must be reversed immediately.
Otu Oka-Iwu submits that if these renaming actions were not approved by the Lagos State Government and which the State can not do in the instant case, they represent a clear violation of democratic norms and should be reversed. No doubt, street naming and renaming in Lagos falls under the jurisdiction of Local Government Authorities, as provided by Section 1 of the Lagos State Local Government Law and Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which empowers local governments to manage street naming and numbering.
However, this authority is not absolute as against the statement issued by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho, suggesting that street naming is entirely a Local Government affair. Street naming indeed, is a Local Government Affair but such power did not grant the Chairman powers to rename streets without it been exercised in accordance with the relevant laws and procedures which include but not limited to public consultation and hearings, approval by the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, gazetting of changes through official state channels. Thus, if these procedures were bypassed, the renaming exercise is ultra vires and beyond the powers of the chairman.
Mr. Falana, SAN emphasized that only constitutionally recognized local government councils have the authority to name or rename streets, as outlined in the Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution. He argued that Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), like Bariga LCDA, lack constitutional recognition, and therefore cannot legally rename public spaces.
Out Oka-Iwu is on firm ground with the Learned Silk on this point. It is trite that Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Nigeria can not legally act in the same manner as constitutionally recognized Local Government Areas (LGAs). LGAs are listed in Part I of the First Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, giving them full legal recognition and access to federal allocations. LCDAs, on the other hand, are creations of state laws and not recognized by the Constitution, meaning they lack the constitutional authority to perform core governmental functions like renaming streets or conducting elections.
In the case of Attorney-General of Lagos State V Attorney-General of the Federation (2004) LPELR-10(SC) (Pp. 96-97 paras. D), the Supreme Court held that States can propose new LGAs, but they must be approved and listed by the National Assembly to be valid. Thus, the entities known as (LCDAs) which are not recognised as LGA’s yet, can not exercise the powers of LGAs. See also the case of Attorney-General of the Federation v. Attorney-General of the 36 States of the Federation (SC/CV/343/2024), delivered on July 11, 2024 where the Supreme Court held that only democratically elected LGAs listed in the Constitution are entitled to federal allocations. It also held that State Governors can not appoint caretaker committees or divert funds meant for LGAs to LCDAs. This effectively puts the use of LCDAs as substitutes for LGAs in governance and funding unconstitutional. Therefore, LCDAs are administrative conveniences, not legal entities with constitutional backing. Their continued existence depends on State Government discretion, and any unconstitutional action carried out by them are ultra-vires
Why this matters is important is that renaming streets without due process, especially at this time, suggests a sinister attempt to rewrite history, particularly targeting the Igbo community whose contributions to Lagos are ongoing and substantial. Despite the lack of formal listing of every contribution to the Bariga Local Government, Ndi Igbo has played a critical role in the development of Bariga. Igbo entrepreneurs dominate retail and wholesale markets in Bariga, especially in areas like Pedro Road, Ilaje, and Obanikoro, contributing to local revenue and employment. Many Igbo families have invested in housing developments, transforming Bariga from a slum-like suburb into a thriving residential zone. Igbo-led NGOs and religious institutions have supported school renovations, scholarship programs, and community health drives. Through festivals, churches, and intermarriage, Ndi Igbo has helped shape Bariga’s multicultural identity, reinforcing Lagos’ reputation as Nigeria’s melting pot.
Bariga LCDA is not the largest local government area in Lagos by landmass or population. That distinction belongs to Epe (largest by land area) and Alimosho (largest by population). However, Bariga holds symbolic weight as a cultural and artistic hub, and its actions may represent a test run of broader exclusionary policies across Lagos. Else, the State Government should be bold enough to reverse this divisive policy by an outgoing administrative staff.
Indeed, if Lagos must be seen to remain a beacon of unity, then all renaming policies should be reversed because they are divisive, biased, ethnically engineered, and procedurally flawed Lagos must not become a theatre of ethnic cleansing through street signs. Lagos thrives on diversity, and the greatness of the city lies not in the dominance of one tribe but in the peaceful coexistence among its inhabitants.
Signed
Sir. Chidi Udekwe
PRESIDENT
Otu Oka-Iwu, Abuja
“Interesting development! The group is raising valid concerns about the constitutionality of the street renaming. Hope the authorities consider their demands.”