Veteran Nigerian entertainer Charles Oputa, widely known as Charly Boy, has cleared the air regarding a video in which former President Olusegun Obasanjo jokingly referred to him as an ashawo, a local slang for a prostitute. The playful banter occurred during the London launch of the musician’s memoir, titled 999.
Obasanjo, who acted as the chief host of the event on September 29, was captured on video teasing Charly Boy with various humorous labels. Aside from calling him an ashawo, the elder statesman also jokingly described the veteran entertainer as a thief, a drug addict, and a rebel. After the clip began circulating widely on social media, many Nigerians questioned the context behind the former president’s blunt remarks.
A Sign of Deep Fatherly Affection
Addressing the viral video in a detailed post on X, Charly Boy clarified that Obasanjo’s comments were not to be taken literally. He explained that the former president was not accusing him of running a prostitution business or behaving promiscuously, but was instead exhibiting the familiarity of their long-standing relationship.
According to Charly Boy, living a highly unconventional life often makes him a target for various labels. He noted that over his decades-long career, people have called him everything from a rebel and a mad man to a tortoise. Having Obasanjo add ashawo to his resume is just another addition to his colorful public persona.
He emphasized that the freedom to tease him in public is a testament to the strong bond they share, comparing it to a father playfully scolding a stubborn son.
Mutual Respect and Family Ties
The entertainer also reminded his followers that beneath the public jests, Obasanjo has frequently expressed deep admiration for his character. Specifically, the former president has praised Charly Boy for the exemplary care and devotion he showed to his late father, the respected jurist Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, as well as his late mother.
Their close relationship is also evident in Obasanjo’s active support of Charly Boy’s literary work. The former president penned the foreword for the memoir 999 and served as the chief host for both the Nigerian and the United Kingdom legs of the book launch.
In a final lighthearted note, Charly Boy accepted the teasing, joking that it takes one to know one, though he jokingly added that he does not agree with the ashawo title.