Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that he initially had little regard or respect for veteran Nigerian entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, before changing his perception of him.
Obasanjo made this known while featuring on the Curiosity Made Me Ask podcast, hosted by comedian and content creator Isbae U, on Saturday.
The former president explained that his opinion of Charly Boy changed after he visited the entertainer’s home and witnessed the care and attention he devoted to his father, the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.
According to Obasanjo, Charly Boy demonstrated exceptional commitment to caring for his father until his death, a responsibility he later extended to his mother.
Obasanjo Praises Charly Boy’s Care For His Parents
Recounting his experience, Obasanjo said he was surprised to discover that the home where he visited Justice Oputa belonged to Charly Boy.
He explained that witnessing the entertainer’s dedication to his father made him reconsider his earlier opinion of him.
Obasanjo said Charly Boy continued to care for his father until his death and subsequently showed the same level of devotion to his mother.
The former president also recalled frequently visiting Charly Boy’s mother, whom he described as a humorous woman.
Speaking about the experience, Obasanjo said:
“When I first came to know Charly Boy, I had no iota of regard or respect for him. But when I went to visit Joseph Oputa, it was in Charly Boy’s house. I didn’t know it was in Charly Boy’s house.
“I saw how Joseph Oputa was being taken care of, and by whom? Charly Boy. So, I started changing my mind about Charly Boy. Until Joseph Oputa died, Charly Boy took perfect care of him.
“He didn’t stop there. He did the same to his mother. And I used to frequently visit his mother, who was a great humorous woman.”
Charly Boy Explains His Unconventional Public Image
Obasanjo further recalled a conversation in which he questioned Charly Boy about his unusual public persona and the way he presented himself.
According to the former president, Charly Boy explained that his unconventional appearance and behaviour were part of a business strategy.
The entertainer reportedly told Obasanjo that the things he did publicly were intended to help him make money.
Recounting the exchange, Obasanjo said:
“Then one day I asked him, ‘Look, Charly Boy, what’s all this?’ He said all those jaga-jaga things that I see are to make chop-chop.”
The statement highlights Obasanjo’s recollection of how he came to view Charly Boy differently after observing his family responsibilities and learning more about the motivations behind his public image.
Obasanjo Says He Wished Charly Boy Had Taken After His Father
Obasanjo also spoke highly of Charly Boy’s father, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, describing him as one of the Nigerians he respected most.
While acknowledging the late jurist’s qualities, the former president said he wished Charly Boy had more closely resembled his father.
He stated:
“He has a good father, Justice Oputa. Oh, what a great man. I wish Charlie Boy had resembled him.”
The remarks provide insight into Obasanjo’s personal recollection of Charly Boy and his family, particularly the entertainer’s relationship with his parents.