Obasanjo Reveals What Changed His Perception Of Charlie Boy

By Opeyemi Adelakun

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has recalled how his perception of Nigerian entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charlie Boy, changed after witnessing the care he gave his late father, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.

Obasanjo made the disclosure during an interview with media personality Bae U, published on Saturday.

The former president was asked why he often referred to Charlie Boy as “Jaga Jaga”, prompting him to recall his initial impression of the entertainer.

Obasanjo said he had great respect for Justice Oputa, whom he described as “a great man”, before adding: “I wish Charlie Boy had resembled him.”

He, however, said his opinion of Charlie Boy changed after visiting Justice Oputa and discovering that the late jurist was being cared for by his son.

According to Obasanjo, he initially knew little about Charlie Boy and had no respect for him when he first encountered him.

He recalled arriving at a house and noticing a motorcycle outside, saying its appearance initially put him off.

However, after entering the house, he said he was impressed by the manner in which Justice Oputa was being cared for.

“I saw how Justice was being taken care of and by who? Charlie Boy,” Obasanjo recalled.

He said Charlie Boy continued to care for his father until his death and “really behaved like a good child would give to his father.”

Obasanjo added that Charlie Boy also took care of his mother, whom he described as a humorous woman.

The former president said witnessing the entertainer’s devotion to his parents gradually changed his opinion of him.

He also recalled a conversation in which Charlie Boy explained that his unconventional public persona was part of his strategy for making a living.

Obasanjo said the explanation further changed his view of the entertainer, whom he described as intelligent.

“You cannot do Jaga Jaga to earn a living without being intelligent,” he quoted himself as telling Charlie Boy.

Obasanjo said he eventually developed some affection for Charlie Boy, although he added with a laugh: “So now I like him a bit, not too much.”