Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
Veteran Nigerian entertainer and social activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy or Area Fada, has explained the context behind former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s joking reference to him as an “ashawo” during the London launch of his memoir, 999: The Memoir of Charly Boy.
Obasanjo’s remarks, made during the September 29, 2026 event in London, circulated widely online after videos showed the former president teasing Charly Boy with a series of descriptions, including “thief,” “barawo,” “drug addict” and “ashawo.”
The remarks prompted questions from social media users about what Obasanjo meant by the term.
Charly Boy, however, said the former president was not accusing him of prostitution. Instead, he described the exchange as part of the informal and familiar relationship they have developed over the years.
Charly Boy explains Obasanjo’s remark
In a post on X on Friday, October 2, Charly Boy responded humorously to the controversy surrounding the comment.
He explained that Obasanjo’s use of the word should be understood within the context of their personal relationship and the former president’s tendency to tease him publicly.
Charly Boy also pointed to the many labels he has received throughout his unconventional public career, saying that being called an “ashawo” was simply another addition to the list.
He recalled being described in different ways over the years because of his distinctive appearance, lifestyle, music and outspoken public persona.
The entertainer said Obasanjo’s willingness to tease him publicly also reflected a degree of affection between the two.
According to Charly Boy, the former president had previously spoken positively about qualities he respected in him, particularly the relationship he maintained with his late father, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, and his mother.
A relationship shaped by the Oputa family
The relationship between Obasanjo and Charly Boy goes beyond the recent memoir launch.
Obasanjo has previously spoken about Charly Boy and his connection with the Oputa family. The former president has also acknowledged the care Charly Boy showed towards his late father.
Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, a respected Nigerian jurist and former Supreme Court Justice, was appointed by Obasanjo to chair the Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission, commonly known as the Oputa Panel, during Obasanjo’s presidency.
The historical connection between the former president and the Oputa family has contributed to the familiarity that has characterised their public interactions.
During previous discussions about Charly Boy, Obasanjo also referred to him as a “jagajaga boy”, while acknowledging aspects of his character and relationship with his family.
The exchange at the London memoir launch therefore appeared to continue a pattern of personal humour between the two rather than a formal political or public accusation.
Obasanjo’s role in Charly Boy’s memoir
Obasanjo has played a prominent role in the launch of Charly Boy’s memoir, 999.
The book was first formally unveiled in Lagos on July 31, 2026, before the project was taken to London as part of an international presentation. Obasanjo served as chief host at the Nigerian launch and was involved in the London event as well.
The memoir, written by Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa, examines different aspects of his childhood, family background, entertainment career, activism and public life. Bibliographic information for the book lists it as a 2026 memoir of 326 pages.
The London presentation was also connected to the Charly Boy Foundation and its campaign around men’s health, particularly prostate cancer awareness. Reports ahead of the event said the foundation was being used to extend the campaign to Nigerian and African communities in the diaspora.
What happened at the London event?
The September 29 gathering brought together Nigerians and other guests in London to celebrate the memoir and Charly Boy’s public life.
Reports following the event said Obasanjo participated prominently in the programme, while Charly Boy and other dignitaries were involved in the unveiling of the memoir and the activities surrounding the foundation.
A report published after the event described Obasanjo as Special Guest of Honour and Chief Discussant, with the gathering attracting political figures, business leaders, entertainers and members of the Nigerian diaspora.
The informal exchanges between Obasanjo and Charly Boy became one of the memorable aspects of the occasion, with videos of their interaction subsequently circulating online.
Charly Boy’s response
Rather than treating the “ashawo” remark as a serious accusation, Charly Boy responded in the same humorous tone.
He said the former president’s public teasing should be viewed against the background of their long-standing familiarity.
Charly Boy also recalled that Obasanjo had spoken about aspects of his life that he respected, particularly his loyalty and care towards his parents.
His response therefore sought to separate the literal meaning of the word from the context in which Obasanjo used it.
The entertainer concluded his reaction by jokingly saying he would accept the title while making clear that he did not agree with the “ashawo” description.
Why the exchange attracted attention
The incident attracted attention largely because of the personalities involved.
Obasanjo is a former president and former military head of state whose public comments frequently attract national attention, while Charly Boy has spent decades building a public identity around entertainment, activism, unconventional self-expression and social commentary.
Their interaction also came at a significant moment in Charly Boy’s career, following the publication of his memoir and the establishment of the Charly Boy Foundation.
Rather than being an isolated exchange, the London incident forms part of a broader public relationship between the former president and the entertainer that has included humour, personal recollections and references to the Oputa family.
The available reports do not indicate that Obasanjo intended the word “ashawo” as a formal allegation against Charly Boy. Charly Boy himself interpreted it as teasing within their relationship.
What happens next?
Charly Boy’s 999 project is linked to a broader international programme involving the memoir and the Charly Boy Foundation.
Before the London event, Charly Boy had discussed plans to take the project beyond the United Kingdom, including Germany and Kenya, alongside the foundation’s men’s-health advocacy.
The foundation’s stated focus includes increasing awareness of prostate health and encouraging men to pay greater attention to early detection and treatment.
For now, the London exchange has added another widely discussed moment to the public relationship between Charly Boy and Obasanjo, while Charly Boy continues to promote his memoir and the foundation’s wider activities.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Punch — report on Charly Boy’s response to Obasanjo’s “ashawo” remark.
- The Guardian Nigeria — report on the London presentation of 999 and the Charly Boy Foundation.
- Vanguard — report on the London launch and Obasanjo’s role.
- Vanguard — background on the 999 memoir and men’s-health campaign.
- Google Books — bibliographic information for 999: The Memoir of Charly Boy.
