Veteran Nigerian musician Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy or Area Fada, has reacted to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s playful remarks about him during the London launch of his memoir, 999.
The event, which took place on September 29, 2026, had Obasanjo as the chief host. During the gathering, a video surfaced showing the former president jokingly describing Charly Boy with several colourful labels, including “thief,” “barawo,” “drug addict,” and “ashawo.”
The remarks quickly attracted attention online, particularly Obasanjo’s use of the word “ashawo,” leaving many Nigerians wondering about the context behind the comment.
However, Charly Boy has now clarified that he did not interpret Obasanjo’s remarks as a serious accusation.
In a post shared on his X account on Friday, October 2, the entertainer explained that he has long been associated with different descriptions because of his unconventional lifestyle and personality.
“You know say when you live your life differently from everybody else, people go give you plenty names. No kin name people never call me. Some say I be jaga-jaga boy. Some say rebel. Some say mad man. Some even call me a tortoise, dat am too smart for my own good. Now Baba don add ashawo to the CV,” he wrote.
Rather than taking offence, Charly Boy appeared to view the exchange as friendly banter from someone with whom he shares a long-standing relationship.
He recalled Obasanjo’s previous comments about him, particularly the former president’s recognition of his devotion to his late parents, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa and his mother.
Charly Boy also noted that Obasanjo wrote the foreword to his memoir and had earlier hosted the Nigerian launch of the book before the London event.
Continuing in his usual humorous style, the veteran entertainer said he was willing to accept the latest addition to his long list of nicknames, although he jokingly rejected the “ashawo” part.
“So if Baba calls me ashawo boy today, no wahala bcos, it takes one to know one. I go just collect the title and continue my journey. After all, na only person wey don enter your heart fit get enough confidence to disgrace you publicly. Baba, I hear you. But I no agree with the ashawo part o!” he wrote.