By Erewunmi Peace

Former Governor of Lagos State and former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), has voiced concerns over the recent trend of renaming streets in Lagos, cautioning that such actions could lead to the erasure of the state’s rich historical identity.

Speaking at the public presentation of the book “Lagos: A Socio-Political and Economic History Puzzle” in Victoria Island, Fashola emphasized the importance of preserving names that reflect the city’s heritage and the contributions of its past leaders and residents.

“We must resist the temptation to rename everything,” Fashola said. “The names of streets, neighborhoods, and landmarks tell the story of who we are and where we’ve come from. If we erase them, we erase the memory of those who built this city.”

He specifically referenced streets like Ladipo Oluwole Street, stressing that such names are not just signposts but pieces of Lagos’ identity that should be preserved for future generations.

The street renaming controversy has sparked public debate in recent weeks, as Lagosians express mixed reactions to changes introduced by the state government. While some see the move as part of modernization, others argue that it disregards historical context and communal significance.

Fashola’s statement adds a powerful voice to the growing conversation, urging policymakers to consider the cultural and historical implications of such changes.

The event also highlighted the importance of education and historical literacy among young Nigerians, as Fashola encouraged the documentation and dissemination of local history to preserve Lagos’ unique narrative.