Charly Boy Says Obasanjo’s ‘Ashawo’ Remark Was Part of Their Friendship

Veteran Nigerian entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has explained why former President Olusegun Obasanjo referred to him as an “ashawo” during the London launch of his memoir, saying the remark was part of their familiar and playful relationship.

Charly Boy responded on Friday, October 2, after a video from the September 29 event circulated on social media, attracting questions about Obasanjo’s choice of words. The former president, who hosted the event, was seen teasing the entertainer with several descriptions, including “thief”, “barawo”, “drug addict” and “ashawo”.

Reacting to the comments in a post on X, Charly Boy clarified that Obasanjo was not accusing him of operating a prostitution business. Instead, he interpreted the description as another example of the informal banter that has characterised their relationship over the years.

The entertainer said he had been called many names because of his unconventional appearance, personality and public image. He noted that some people had described him as a rebel, a madman or a “jaga-jaga boy”, adding that he could now include Obasanjo’s latest description among the labels associated with him.

Charly Boy also suggested that the former president’s willingness to tease him publicly reflected a degree of familiarity and affection. He said he regarded the exchange as a sign that Obasanjo felt comfortable enough around him to joke in front of an audience.

The entertainer, however, made it clear that he did not agree with the “ashawo” label itself, even while treating the exchange humorously.

The relationship between both men has developed over several years, despite Obasanjo’s earlier reservations about Charly Boy’s lifestyle and unconventional presentation. The former president has previously explained that his perception of the entertainer changed after he observed how devotedly Charly Boy cared for his father, the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, and later his mother.

Obasanjo has praised Charly Boy’s commitment to his parents, describing their care as an important reason for the respect and closeness that developed between them. He has also acknowledged that the entertainer’s unusual public persona did not prevent him from demonstrating responsibility and devotion within his family.

Their relationship was further highlighted by Charly Boy’s memoir, 999, for which Obasanjo wrote the foreword. The former president also served as chief host at the book’s launch in Nigeria before attending the London event.

The latest exchange has attracted attention because of the contrast between the former president’s choice of words and the longstanding relationship between the two men. While the language could appear insulting when viewed without context, Charly Boy’s own response indicates that he understood the remarks as personal banter rather than a literal accusation.

The episode also reflects Charly Boy’s long-standing public identity as an entertainer who has embraced an unconventional image and often responded to criticism with humour. His reaction suggests that he intends to treat the incident as another anecdote from his relationship with the former president rather than as a public dispute.

Neither man has indicated that the exchange has damaged their relationship. For Charly Boy, the incident appears to have provided another opportunity to reflect on the familiarity, humour and mutual respect that he says underpin their friendship.