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Obasanjo Reveals How Charly Boy’s Devotion to Parents Changed His Perception of Him
By Olivia Amarachi Iroh
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has opened up on how veteran entertainer Charly Boy earned his admiration despite his unconventional lifestyle and public image.
Speaking during an interview on the “Before Tomorrow Comes” podcast, Obasanjo said his relationship with Charly Boy was influenced largely by his close friendship with the entertainer’s late father, Chukwudifu Oputa.
According to the former president, Justice Oputa was one of the few Nigerians he deeply admired and regarded as a genuine friend, noting that his respect for the retired jurist shaped his early perception of Charly Boy.
“I was close to Charly Boy’s father, Justice Oputa. I do not have many people I can truly call friends or people I admire, but Justice Oputa was one of them,” Obasanjo said.
He admitted that he initially struggled to understand Charly Boy’s eccentric style and public appearance, especially when compared to the disciplined and refined personality of his father.
Obasanjo recalled that he deliberately kept his distance from the entertainer because he expected the son of a respected Supreme Court justice to reflect the same conservative lifestyle and appearance associated with his father.
“Justice Oputa was always well-groomed and properly dressed, while Charly Boy appeared completely different. I wondered how an adult could dress that way, so I did not think much of him at the time,” he stated.
The former president explained that despite his reservations, he avoided discussing Charly Boy with Justice Oputa out of respect for their friendship.
According to him, his opinion eventually changed after witnessing the extraordinary level of care and dedication Charly Boy showed towards his parents, particularly his late father and mother.
Obasanjo said he discovered that beyond the entertainer’s controversial image was a deeply committed son who prioritised the welfare and happiness of his family.
“What impressed me most was the way Charly Boy cared for his father.
Regardless of his appearance or lifestyle, I realised that nobody could have taken better care of Justice Oputa than what I saw,” he added.
He further noted that his closeness to the family increased after the death of Justice Oputa, recalling that he visited the family home in Oguta during the mourning period.
Obasanjo also praised Charly Boy’s devotion to his mother, describing it as even more extraordinary than the care he gave his father.
According to him, he eventually understood that Charly Boy’s unconventional appearance and lifestyle were part of his entertainment identity and personal expression rather than a reflection of irresponsibility.
“I came to see his dressing and lifestyle as part of his entertainment personality and his way of making life enjoyable,” he said.
The former president added that there were important lessons to learn from the relationship between Charly Boy and his parents, especially regarding acceptance and support for children who choose different career paths.
He observed that although Justice Oputa may not initially have wanted his son to pursue entertainment, he eventually accepted and appreciated the path Charly Boy chose for himself.
Obasanjo said the entertainer remained committed to his chosen career and ultimately became very close to his father in the later years of the jurist’s life.
The former president also disclosed that he wrote the foreword to Charly Boy’s memoir, 999: The Memoir of Charly Boy, which he described as a well-written and remarkable book.
He urged parents to support children pursuing unconventional ambitions, provided such paths are lawful and meaningful.
