Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has spoken about his changing perception of Nigerian entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, saying he initially had little regard for him but later changed his mind after witnessing how he cared for his parents.
Obasanjo made the remarks during an interview with media personality Bae U, published on Saturday, while explaining why he had often described Charly Boy as “jaga jaga.”
The former president said he had great respect for Charly Boy’s late father, former Supreme Court Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, and wished the entertainer had resembled him.
“He has a good father, Justice Oputa. Oh, what a great man. I wish Charlie Boy had resembled him,” Obasanjo said.
He recalled that his opinion of Charly Boy began to change after visiting Justice Oputa and discovering that the retired jurist was being cared for by his son.
According to Obasanjo, Charly Boy took care of his father until his death and also looked after his mother, Margaret Oputa.
He said witnessing the entertainer’s dedication to his parents made him reconsider his earlier perception of him.
Obasanjo also recalled asking Charly Boy about his unconventional appearance and public persona. He said the entertainer explained that his “jaga jaga” style was part of how he made a living.
The former president said the explanation further changed his view of Charly Boy, whom he described as intelligent, adding jokingly that he now liked him “a bit, not too much.”
Obasanjo’s comments come years after Charly Boy became known for his unconventional fashion, public activism and outspoken personality, which have made him a prominent and sometimes controversial figure in Nigeria’s entertainment and civic space.
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