Former President Olusegun Obasanjo shared insights into his unexpected friendship with performer Charles Oputa, widely known as Charly Boy, during the Lagos book launch of 999: A Memoir in Tribute to Late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa. Obasanjo admitted that his initial judgment of the entertainer’s rebellious stage persona shifted significantly once he witnessed the deep devotion Charly Boy showed toward his parents.
During a candid discussion, Obasanjo explained that he was initially wary of the musician’s eccentric image. However, visiting the Oputa home and seeing the care provided to the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa and later to Charly Boy’s mother altered his perspective. The former president noted that he now views the artist as a dual personality, distinguishing between the provocative Charly Boy character used for professional survival and the respectful son he came to admire.
The event also served as a platform for Obasanjo to discuss his military involvement in the Nigerian Civil War. Emphasizing his goal of national unification, he described his strategic decisions to avoid civilian casualties. He recounted his entry into Owerri, where he intentionally refrained from bombing the city and instead rescued individuals facing execution, including Professor Chike Obi, ultimately meeting with figures like Philip Effiong to bring about an end to the conflict.
Prominent guests at the ceremony included Emeka Anyaoku, Peter Obi, and Leo Stan Ekeh. Reviewer Dr. Austin Tam-George praised the memoir for its honest portrayal of the activist’s life. Charly Boy stated that the book serves as a tribute to his father’s commitment to justice and an encouragement for others to embrace their individuality. Funds generated from the book’s release are intended to support the Charly Boy Foundation, which focuses on raising awareness for men’s health and prostate cancer advocacy in Nigeria.