Why Obasanjo called me ‘ashawo’ — Charly Boy
Why Obasanjo called me ‘ashawo’ — Charly Boy
Veteran entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has reacted after former President Olusegun Obasanjo jokingly described him as an “ashawo” during the London launch of his memoir, 999.
The former president, who was the chief host of the September 29 event in London, was captured in a video making a series of teasing remarks about Charly Boy, including referring to him as a “thief,” “barawo,” “drug addict” and “ashawo.”
The video has since circulated on social media, prompting questions from some Nigerians about Obasanjo’s reference to Charly Boy as an “ashawo.”
Reacting in a post on X on Friday, Charly Boy said Obasanjo did not mean that he engaged in prostitution, describing the remark as part of their close and familiar relationship.
He wrote, “So Baba called me ASHAWO? Una dey ask me why Baba call me ashawo. My people, relax. Baba no mean say I dey run ashawo business. Or like say I dey follow women like Hegoat.
“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.”
Charly Boy said Obasanjo’s willingness to publicly tease him was also a reflection of the affection between them.
He added, “But make I tell you something. If Baba has reached the point where he can stand in public and dey call me like his stubborn son, that one sef na sign of love.”
The entertainer also recalled that Obasanjo had spoken about qualities he respected in him, particularly his relationship with his late father, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, and his mother.
“Because this same Baba wey dey call me all these names has also spoken about the things he respects about me, especially the way I stood by my father and later my mother,” he said.
Obasanjo has previously spoken warmly about Charly Boy, including describing him as a “jagajaga boy” while acknowledging the care he showed towards his late father.
The former president also wrote the foreword to Charly Boy’s memoir, 999, and served as chief host at the book’s Nigerian launch before accompanying the project to London.
Charly Boy said he would therefore accept the latest description as part of their long-standing relationship.
“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,” he said.
He added, “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!”
