Respect built our bond, Charly boy speaks on friendship with Obasanjo

Veteran singer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has opened up about his relationship with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, describing it as a rare connection built on mutual respect and honest dialogue.

In a post shared on X on Monday, he said many Nigerians were initially surprised by his closeness to the former leader because of his long-standing reputation for challenging authority.

“When you mention the kind relationship wey no too common for this country, you go talk about Charly Boy and Olusegun Obasanjo.

“Many people no understand am at first. How rebel wey dey always challenge government take dey close to former president. But life no be black and white like that. Sometimes na respect and understanding dey build bridge where people no expect,” he said.


According to him, Obasanjo saw qualities in him that others often overlooked, courage, consistency, and a willingness to stand by his truth regardless of circumstances. In return, he said he looked beyond the former president’s military and political background to see an elder shaped by war, leadership pressures, and national trials.

“Baba Obasanjo see something inside Charly Boy wey plenty people miss. He see courage. He see consistency. He see man wey stand for him truth whether rain fall or sun shine. And Charly Boy too see beyond uniform and title. He see elder wey don pass through war, leadership, pressure and still stand strong,” he said.

He described their relationship as one defined by thoughtful conversations rather than public spectacle, noting that their discussions about Nigeria’s challenges can involve strong disagreements but never bitterness.

“Their relationship no be noise relationship. Na quiet understanding. When dem talk, na two strong minds wey dey reason Nigeria matter. Dem fit argue, dem fit disagree, but bitterness no dey. Respect dey intact.

He added that the depth of their regard was evident when Obasanjo personally hosted the launch of his autobiography, 999, which he described as a major career moment.

“That respect show clearly when Baba Obasanjo personally host the biggest moment of Charly Boy career, the launch of him life story book 999. That event no just be about selling book. Na honour. Na acknowledgement. Na elder telling younger warrior say I see you.

“For that day, politics and activism sit down for one table. It prove say bond no dey always about agreeing on everything. Sometimes e just about recognizing value in each other.

Charly Boy added that their bond sends a message in a country often marked by division, that dialogue, respect, and unity remain possible even between strong-willed individuals with differing views.

“The fondness between dem real. You fit see am for the way dem dey talk about each other with warmth. No fake protocol vibe. Just genuine regard.

“For country wey division too much, their connection send message say dialogue possible. Respect possible. Unity possible. And when two strong men choose mutual respect over ego, that one na powerful example.