Obasanjo: Charly Boy Won My Respect Through Care for Father

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that his long-held negative view of veteran entertainer Charles Oputa, professionally known as Charly Boy, underwent a complete reversal. Speaking on the YouTube podcast "Curiosity Made Me Ask" hosted by content creator Isbae U on Saturday, Obasanjo explained that he initially held Charly Boy in extremely low regard, describing his first impression as one of absolute disdain.

The shift in Obasanjo's perspective occurred after an unplanned visit to Charly Boy's residence, where the former president witnessed firsthand the entertainer's attentive and devoted care for his ailing father, the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa. Obasanjo had previously held Justice Oputa in high esteem, and observing how his son tended to him fundamentally altered his assessment of Charly Boy's character.

The former president had frequently publicly criticized Charly Boy's flamboyant lifestyle, even describing him as "jaga jaga" and remarking that he wished the entertainer had resembled his father. During the podcast, when pressed about his repeated public criticisms, Obasanjo acknowledged that he had previously known little about Charly Boy beyond his public persona.

He expressed regret over his earlier judgments, having formed opinions based on superficial observations rather than deeper knowledge of the man's values and family commitments. The podcast appearance also generated social media attention through behind-the-scenes footage released afterward, which captured informal moments between Obasanjo and the production crew.

Separately, Charly Boy has been in the public eye for his parenting stance, having defended his adult daughter's engagement to a female partner, stating that at 50 years old, his daughter is autonomous in her life choices, though he remains available to offer paternal guidance.