Obasanjo's Playful 'Ashawo' Label: Charly Boy Offers Clarity

Veteran Nigerian entertainer Charles Oputa, widely known as Charly Boy, has responded to former President Olusegun Obasanjo's light-hearted description of him as an “ashawo” during the London launch of his memoir, '999'. The event, held on September 29, saw Obasanjo, who was the chief host, humorously refer to Charly Boy with several nicknames, including “thief,” “barawo,” “drug addict,” and “ashawo,” in a video that has since gone viral on social media, prompting public curiosity.

Taking to X on Friday, Charly Boy clarified that Obasanjo's comment was not meant literally, attributing it to the deep, informal nature of their friendship. He stated, “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 elaborated that his unconventional lifestyle often leads people to label him, saying, “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.”

The entertainer further suggested that Obasanjo's willingness to tease him publicly signifies their mutual affection. 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.” Charly Boy also recounted how Obasanjo had previously praised his character, particularly his devotion to his late parents, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa and his mother. He shared, “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.”

Obasanjo has a history of speaking highly of Charly Boy, even calling him a “jagajaga boy” while commending his care for his late father. The former president also penned the foreword for Charly Boy’s memoir, '999', and was the chief host at its Nigerian launch before joining him for the London event.

Consequently, Charly Boy expressed his acceptance of the latest nickname as part of their long-standing bond. He remarked, “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 concluded with a touch of humor, saying, “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!”