Former Minister of Works and ex-Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has called on Lagos authorities to exercise caution and historical sensitivity in the ongoing wave of street renaming across the city, warning that erasing old names could lead to a loss of the state’s rich heritage.

Speaking at a public policy dialogue in Lagos on Tuesday, Fashola emphasized that street names are more than geographical labels they are critical markers of culture, memory, and identity.

“Street names are not just about navigation,” Fashola said. “They are reminders of the people, events, and places that shaped our history. Renaming streets without regard for historical context is like tearing pages out of a collective diary.”

The former governor acknowledged the right of authorities to honor new heroes and reflect contemporary values but urged for a balanced approach that retains the essence of Lagos’ founding legacy.

His remarks come amid growing concerns from historians and civil society groups over the renaming of major streets and districts across Lagos, many of which bear colonial, indigenous, or post-independence significance.

Fashola suggested that instead of replacing old names, the government could expand recognition through new infrastructure, parks, or public institutions to celebrate present-day contributors without erasing the past.

“We can build bridges, libraries, and schools to honor new icons,” he said. “But we must also defend our heritage with the same passion. Our children deserve to know who and what came before them.”

The Lagos State Government has yet to issue an official response, but the debate continues to attract public interest, with residents and cultural advocates joining the conversation on how best to balance modernization with memory.