Google Maps effected the changes, showing the newly assigned street names…the changes follow a 2020 House of Assembly motion urging removal of colonial-era names
Google Maps has updated its platform to reflect the renaming of 24 streets in Lagos’ Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, sparking public backlash over perceived ethnic bias.
A 2024 memo authorizing the changes resurfaced in July 2025, igniting controversy for replacing many Igbo-named streets with Yoruba alternatives.
Imo Eze Street is now Layiwola Oluwa Street; George Street became Daddy Showkey Street, and Uzoh Street is now Kalejaiye Adeboye Street.
“We were not informed or consulted,” said Mr Agu, a resident of the former Uzoh Street. “This feels like an erasure of our presence.”
The changes follow a 2020 House of Assembly motion urging removal of colonial-era names. While lawyer Olukoya Ogungbeje praised it as patriotic, SAN Ebun Adegboruwa dismissed it as unconstitutional.
Council Secretary Jumor Lukman defended the move, citing outdated documentation. “The process was not targeted at any group,” he said.
Activists called for inclusive, transparent renaming that balances heritage with recognition of local heroes.