Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has explained his long-standing description of veteran entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, as “jaga jaga,” while acknowledging the entertainer’s dedication to his late parents.
Obasanjo made the remarks during an interview on the Curiosity Made Me Ask programme hosted by comedian and content creator Bae U. He recalled that he initially had little regard for Charly Boy because of his unconventional appearance and public persona.
According to the former president, his perception began to change after he visited Charly Boy’s residence to see his father, the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, without initially knowing that the former Supreme Court judge was staying there.
Obasanjo said he was impressed by the way Charly Boy cared for his father until his death. He also noted that the entertainer extended similar care to his mother, which further changed his opinion of him.
“He has a good father, Justice Oputa. Oh, what a great man. I wish Charlie Boy had resembled him,” Obasanjo said while recalling his admiration for the late jurist.
The former president also recalled confronting Charly Boy about his unusual lifestyle and public image. According to Obasanjo, the entertainer explained that his unconventional persona was part of how he made a living.
Obasanjo subsequently described Charly Boy as an intelligent person, saying his ability to build a career around his distinctive personality demonstrated ingenuity. He added that his opinion of the entertainer changed after witnessing his commitment to his family.
The remarks are significant because they provide context to the relationship between two prominent Nigerians whose public profiles have developed in very different fields. Charly Boy has built a decades-long career in entertainment and activism, while Obasanjo served as Nigeria’s military head of state and later as elected president.
Obasanjo’s comments also highlight the role of family responsibility in shaping his eventual perception of the entertainer.
The former president has previously spoken positively about Charly Boy’s care for his parents, including in discussions surrounding the entertainer’s memoir, 999: A Memoir in Tribute to Late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.
