Fashola Urges Caution on Lagos Street Renaming Controversy
Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, has issued a strong appeal to the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urging restraint in the ongoing renaming of streets in Lagos State. Fashola emphasized the critical importance of preserving the city’s historical identity and honoring the legacies embedded in its street names.
He delivered the warning during the public presentation of “Discover Lagos State: A History Puzzle Book (Volume 1)” held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, on Tuesday.
The Importance of Historical Memory in Street Naming
Ladipo Oluwole as a Symbol of Legacy
Referencing documented history at the University of Glasgow, Fashola highlighted the global value of archival preservation. He cited the story of Dr. Isaac Ladipo Oluwole, a pioneering Nigerian physician who studied at Glasgow between 1913 and 1918 and later became the first African medical officer of health in Lagos.
“Dr. Oluwole pioneered school health services and vaccination campaigns and established the first Nigerian school of hygiene in Yaba in 1920,” Fashola explained. “So those of us who drive through Ladipo Oluwole Street in Ikeja should understand the legacy behind the name.”
He used this to underscore the dangers of erasing historical significance through arbitrary renaming. “We are discussing street naming and street unnaming… I keep my gunpowder dry,” he said pointedly. “The preservation of our history and documentation of our progress should be taken seriously.”
Fashola Calls for Stronger Support for LASRAB
Fashola also emphasized the role of the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) in protecting Lagos’s heritage. He called for increased funding and institutional support for LASRAB, which developed the new puzzle book as part of its educational outreach.
“The work of LASRAB extends beyond books. Its ultimate goal is to become the central, trustworthy repository of Lagos State’s memory,” Fashola stated.
“Mr Governor, LASRAB must be well-funded.”
Sanwo-Olu’s Response Through Deputy Governor Hamzat
Book Praised for Fostering Cultural Consciousness
Representing Governor Sanwo-Olu at the event, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat described the Discover Lagos State book as a “creative tool” for building civic pride and historical literacy among young Lagosians.
“It’s an innovative learning resource designed to stimulate curiosity, deepen our pride as Lagosians, and strengthen our understanding of our shared heritage,” Hamzat said.
He praised Fashola for establishing LASRAB during his administration and referenced the executive order he issued, mandating that official documentation of public infrastructure projects be archived systematically.
“This foundational act was not merely administrative it was an intentional effort to preserve Lagos’s evolving narrative for posterity.”
Preserving Lagos’s Identity for Future Generations
Both leaders agreed on the need to promote historical consciousness and ensure that the city’s heritage is not diluted through politically or culturally insensitive changes.
“We must not distort our history or misunderstand our being,” Hamzat concluded.
“This book is a creative method of crafting historical awareness that educates and entertains.”
Conclusion
As street renaming debates intensify in Lagos, Fashola’s message serves as a powerful reminder of the need to protect cultural memory. His call to support LASRAB and preserve landmark names like Ladipo Oluwole Street highlights the deeper implications of erasing names tied to Nigeria’s development and legacy.
thewatch.ng will continue to follow developments in Lagos’s cultural preservation efforts and street naming policies.
