I Wish Charlie Boy Had Resembled His Father — Obasanjo

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

Obasanjo made the remarks during an interview published on Saturday, while discussing his relationship with the entertainer and his family.

The former President said he had been close to Justice Oputa, whom he described as a great man and one of the Nigerians he respected and admired.

However, he said his initial impression of Charlie Boy was different because of the entertainer’s unconventional appearance and lifestyle.

Obasanjo recalled that he expected the son of a respected Supreme Court judge to resemble his father in appearance, demeanour and presentation.

“I wish Charlie Boy had resembled him,” Obasanjo said, referring to Justice Oputa.

He explained that his opinion changed significantly after visiting Justice Oputa and discovering that the late jurist was living in Charlie Boy’s house and being cared for by his son.

According to Obasanjo, he was struck by the level of attention Charlie Boy gave his father despite his unconventional lifestyle.

He said Charlie Boy continued caring for Justice Oputa until his death, describing the entertainer’s actions as those of a good son.

Obasanjo said the entertainer also took care of his mother, whom he described as a humorous woman, further changing his perception of him.

He explained that Charlie Boy later told him that his unusual dressing, behaviour and public persona were partly intended to entertain people and make a living.

Obasanjo said he eventually came to understand that the entertainer’s seemingly unconventional approach required intelligence because he had successfully built a career around it.

The former President acknowledged that his opinion of Charlie Boy had changed considerably from his initial lack of regard.

He said the care he witnessed towards Justice Oputa and his mother played a major role in changing his view of the entertainer.

Obasanjo also recalled visiting Charlie Boy’s parents and becoming increasingly familiar with the family over the years.

His comments come months after he publicly explained why he admired Charlie Boy despite previously being critical of his lifestyle. He praised his resilience publicly.