‎Why Baba Obasanjo Called Me ‘Ashawo’ – Charly Boy ‎

Popular celebrity, Charles Oputa known as Charly Boy, has reacted after former President Olusegun Obasanjo jokingly described him as an “ashawo” during the London launch of his memoir, 999.

‎The former president, who was the chief host of the September 29 event in London, was captured in a video making a series of teasing remarks about Charly Boy, including referring to him as a “thief,” “barawo,” “drug addict” and “ashawo.”

‎The video has since circulated on social media, prompting questions from some Nigerians about Obasanjo’s reference to Charly Boy as an “ashawo.”

‎Reacting in a post on X on Friday, Charly Boy said Obasanjo did not mean that he engaged in prostitution, describing the remark as part of their close and familiar relationship.

‎He wrote, “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.

‎“You know say when you live your life differently from everybody else, people go give you plenty names. The kind 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

‎Charly Boy said Obasanjo’s willingness to publicly tease him was also a reflection of the affection between them.

‎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 recalled that Obasanjo had spoken about qualities he respected in him, particularly his relationship with his late father, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, and his mother.

‎“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,” he said.

‎Obasanjo has previously spoken warmly about Charly Boy, including describing him as a “jagajaga boy” while acknowledging the care he showed towards his late father.

‎The former president also wrote the foreword to Charly Boy’s memoir, 999, and served as chief host at the book’s Nigerian launch before accompanying the project to London.

‎Charly Boy said he would therefore accept the latest description as part of their long-standing relationship.

‎”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 said.

‎He added, “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!”

‎

‎