Veteran Nigerian entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has responded with characteristic humour after former President Olusegun Obasanjo jokingly referred to him as an “ashawo” during the London launch of his memoir, 999.
Obasanjo, who served as chief host of the September 29 event, was captured on video making a series of light-hearted digs at Charly Boy, calling him a “thief,” “barawo,” “drug addict,” and “ashawo.” The clip quickly circulated on social media, prompting some Nigerians to question the former president’s choice of words.
In a post on X on Friday, Charly Boy clarified that Obasanjo did not mean the term literally.
“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,” he wrote.
The activist and musician noted that living unconventionally has earned him many labels over the years — from “jaga-jaga boy” and “rebel” to “mad man” and even “tortoise.”
“Now Baba don add ashawo to the CV,” he added with typical irreverence.
Charly Boy framed the public teasing as evidence of genuine affection rather than malice.
“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,” he said.
He also recalled that Obasanjo has previously spoken positively about him, particularly praising the way Charly Boy stood by his late father, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, and later his mother. Obasanjo wrote the foreword to 999 and hosted both the Nigerian and London launches of the book.
Accepting the latest nickname in stride, Charly Boy concluded:
“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… 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!”