Veteran entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has described his relationship with former President Olusegun Obasanjo as “uncommon,” rooted in respect, understanding and shared concern for the future of Nigeria.
Speaking on X on Monday, Charly Boy said many Nigerians were surprised that a well‑known critic of government could be close to a former head of state.
“People wondered how someone who constantly challenges authority could be so connected to a former head of state,” he said.
“But life is not always black and white. Sometimes respect and understanding build bridges where people least expect.”
According to Charly Boy, Obasanjo saw qualities in him that others often overlooked, including courage, consistency, and a commitment to truth regardless of circumstances.
In return, he said he viewed Obasanjo not just as a former military leader and president, but as an elder who had lived through war, leadership pressure and national challenges and remained resilient.
Their relationship, Charly Boy explained, is not a publicity act but a quiet understanding. When they talk, their conversations often focus on national issues. There can be disagreement, he said, but never bitterness. “We may argue, we may disagree, but respect is always intact,” he said.
The mutual regard between them was evident at the launch of Charly Boy’s autobiography, 999, which Obasanjo personally hosted. Charly Boy described the event as “not about selling books … It was about acknowledgement. It was about an elder saying, ‘I see you.’”
Charly Boy rose to prominence as a musician and television personality and has often used his platform to speak on social and political issues. In 2025 he turned 75 and said he had no regrets about his life choices, noting that his activism and unconventional path shaped who he became.
Former President Obasanjo, now in his 80s, led Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 and has remained active in public discourse. Over the years he has commented widely on national unity and governance. His support for Charly Boy’s autobiography launch was widely covered in Nigerian media.
