Charly Boy Breaks Silence On Obasanjo’s Ashawo Remark, Reveals Why He Isn’t Angry

Veteran entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has reacted to former President Olusegun Obasanjo referring to him as an “ashawo” during an event in London, saying he was not offended by the remark.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Obasanjo made the comment while teasing Charly Boy at the London launch of his memoir, 999. Videos from the event also showed the former president using other playful descriptions, including “thief,” “barawo” and “drug addict.”

Reacting in a post on his X account, Charly Boy suggested that the remarks were influenced by the familiarity and relationship between him and the former president. He stressed that Obasanjo’s use of the word “ashawo” should not necessarily be interpreted literally as an accusation of prostitution.

Charly Boy noted that he had been called various names throughout his career because of his unconventional personality and public image. He said he viewed Obasanjo’s willingness to tease him publicly as a reflection of the former president’s familiarity with him.

The entertainer also pointed out that Obasanjo had previously acknowledged qualities he respected about him, particularly the way he supported his late father, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, and later his mother.

Charly Boy said he therefore chose not to take the remark personally, even while making it clear that he did not agree with being described as an “ashawo.”

He added that public figures who have developed a close relationship with someone can sometimes speak to them in a manner that outsiders may interpret differently, insisting that he understood the context of Obasanjo’s comments.

While accepting the teasing in good humour, Charly Boy concluded that he disagreed with the particular label, saying, “Baba, I hear you. But I no agree with the ashawo part o!”