Prominent human rights advocate and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has strongly criticized the Lagos State government’s recent move to rename several streets and bus stops.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Falana described the changes as unconstitutional, undemocratic, and a clear violation of local government authority as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

“He described the action as illegal, authoritarian, and a violation of the constitutional powers vested in local governments.”

Falana cited various examples of what he termed unauthorized renaming, including the replacement of “Charley Boy Bus Stop” with “Baddo Bus Stop”, allegedly carried out by Kolade Alabi, the former Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

He also mentioned the recent naming of streets after President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as well as actions by billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote, who reportedly renamed two streets in honour of his late friend Herbert Wigwe and the President.

“The usurpation of the exclusive functions of local governments on street naming by certain individuals and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State cannot be justified under the Nigerian Constitution,” Falana stated.

According to the senior lawyer, the Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) assigns the exclusive power of street naming, road designation, and house numbering to local government councils.

To reinforce his point, Falana referenced the case of Chief Obidi Ume v. Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, in which the High Court ruled that only the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) was legally authorized to name roads within its jurisdiction.

In particular, he decried the renaming of the Charley Boy Bus Stop, noting its deep cultural and historical relevance to the Bariga and Gbagada communities.

“Charley Boy Bus Stop acquired its name sociologically due to its functionality and the positive impact which Charley Boy has historically made in the area,” he noted.

“Renaming it without consulting the Bariga and Gbagada people smacks of authoritarianism.”

Falana also criticized the apparent inconsistency in Lagos’ approach to renaming public spaces.

While colonial-era names linked to oppression remain untouched, names that honour local heroes are being discarded without due process.

He urged local government legislative arms across Lagos to halt what he called the arbitrary renaming of public infrastructure and instead adopt a system that involves public hearings and lawful procedures.

“Streets should not be renamed arbitrarily to please the whims and caprices of political leaders or to promote ethnic chauvinism, especially in a cosmopolitan capital city like Lagos,” the respected legal practitioner added.

He called for accountability and community participation, warning that bypassing constitutional procedure and public involvement undermines both democratic values and local identity.

The Delta State Police Command has taken swift disciplinary action after a video surfaced showing police officers assaulting a man near Asaba Specialist Hospital.

The footage, which went viral across platforms including X (formerly Twitter), drew public condemnation for the officers’ “unprofessional conduct.”

In the video, the victim whose identity has yet to be confirmed is seen being beaten and dragged by uniformed personnel in broad daylight on Sunday, July 27, 2025.

Reacting to the incident, Commissioner of Police, Delta State, Olufemi Abaniwonda, ordered the immediate identification and arrest of the officers involved.

The police team was quickly traced and detained at the Command Headquarters, pending formal disciplinary proceedings.

“The officers were promptly identified and detained, pending the commencement of their orderly room trial, while their team leader, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), was issued a query.”

The CP strongly condemned the incident and reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance policy toward abuse of power and human rights violations.

“The Delta State Police Command has condemned the assault of a yet-to-be-identified man by police officers in the state.”

“CP Abaniwonda stressed that the Command will not condone the trampling of citizens’ rights or tolerate assault and harassment by officers.”

In a statement issued by the Command, the CP gave assurances that the implicated officers would face consequences in line with police disciplinary codes and national law.

“He assured the public that the erring officers would be dealt with decisively, in accordance with the extant laws as stipulated in the Police Act and regulations, to serve as a deterrent to others.”

He further urged all personnel to conduct themselves responsibly, noting the importance of respecting constitutional rights while on duty.

“He urged all officers to uphold the tenets of professional policing and to discharge their duties with respect for the fundamental human rights of all citizens, in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”

As investigations continue, the Commissioner called for public calm and trust in the disciplinary process.

“The CP expressed hope that the action taken against the erring officers would serve as a warning to others and appealed to the public to remain calm, assuring them that justice will be served.”

Twelve days after the burial of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, his wife, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, along with their children, has returned to Kaduna from Daura.

The late President’s family was received at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Kaduna on Sunday by the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Hadiza Balarabe, following their stay in Daura after his interment.

Present to welcome the former First Lady and her family were top government officials, including the Majority Leader of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Munira Tanimu, among others.

“The wife of the late former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, and her children have returned to their residence in Kaduna, twelve days after his burial.”

The atmosphere at the Air Force base was described as warm and respectful, reflecting the ongoing reverence the state continues to show for the legacy of the late former President and the contributions he made to Nigeria’s development.

“The reception was marked by warmth and courtesy, reflecting the State’s continued respect for the late former President and his family and their contributions to national development.”

After the reception, Deputy Governor Balarabe personally accompanied Mrs. Buhari and her entourage to their residence at Ungwan Rimi GRA in Kaduna.

The former Nigerian leader passed away at age 82 on Sunday, July 13, 2025, while receiving medical care in a hospital in London.

He was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura on July 15, two days following his death, in line with Islamic burial traditions.

“He was buried in his hometown, Daura on July 15, 2025. Two days after his death in accordance with Islamic rites.”