A coalition of indigenous people in Lagos State has appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the renaming of several historic streets across the state, expressing concerns over the preservation of the city’s cultural heritage and identity.
The coalition, made up of community leaders, traditional stakeholders and concerned residents, submitted a petition urging the governor to halt the practice of changing the names of long-established streets without adequate consultation with indigenous communities. According to the group, many of the affected streets bear names that reflect the history, traditions and contributions of prominent Lagos families and early settlers.
The petitioners argued that renaming historic streets could gradually erase important aspects of Lagos’ rich cultural heritage and weaken the historical connection between present and future generations. They stressed that street names are more than mere addresses, describing them as symbols of the state’s identity and a reminder of its unique history.
The coalition called on the state government to adopt a more inclusive approach by engaging traditional rulers, community associations, historians and other stakeholders before approving any changes to the names of historic roads and public places.
They also appealed to Governor Sanwo-Olu to establish a clear policy that would protect historically significant landmarks and ensure that future decisions on street renaming reflect the wishes of the affected communities while preserving Lagos’ cultural legacy.
The group reaffirmed its support for the state’s development agenda, noting that modernisation and urban renewal should not come at the expense of the history and identity of indigenous communities.
The petition adds to the ongoing public conversation on balancing infrastructure development with the preservation of cultural heritage in Lagos. The coalition expressed optimism that the governor would carefully consider its concerns and take steps to ensure that the state’s historical and cultural identity remains protected for future generations.
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