…Reveals why he fought the Nigerian civil war

By Benjamin Njoku

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that his growing relationship with entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, was sparked by the musician’s devotion to his parents.

Obasanjo made the disclosure on Friday in Lagos, at the public presentation of “999: A Memoir in Tribute to Late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.” The event celebrated the life and legacy of the late jurist and was laced with laughter, reflections, and tributes to Charly Boy’s fearless advocacy and artistic impact.
Speaking during a fireside chat, Obasanjo admitted he was initially not a fan of Charly Boy’s controversial “Area Fada” persona.
“Until you explained it in detail today that Charly Oputa is you, and Charly Boy is your creation. Fiction is not reality,” Obasanjo said.
“I came close to you through your family. You took care of your father so well. Initially, I didn’t want to come to your house when I was told your family was there. The first thing that struck me about your ‘area boy’ lifestyle was the power bike parked in front of your house. I looked at the bike and shook my head.”
He added that his perception changed after meeting Charly Boy’s father.

“I entered your house and saw the old man. He was one of the few Nigerians I truly and sincerely respect. There I saw the attention you gave to your father, and I marvelled. You later let me in on the secret that this ‘Charly Boy thing’ is for survival, and that the real Charles Oputa is the decent man I have just seen.
“When the old man died, you gave him a befitting burial. Then your mum came to live with you, and I continued with her. Again, you took care of your mother so well. That made me change my mind about…