Veteran entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has reacted to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s viral remarks in which he referred to him as an “ashawo” during an event in London.

Charly Boy said he was not offended by the remark, explaining that Obasanjo’s comments were part of the familiarity and relationship between them. In videos circulating online, the former president was also heard using other teasing expressions, including “thief,” “barawo” and “drug addict,” while addressing the entertainer.

Reacting in a post on his X handle, Charly Boy said Obasanjo did not necessarily mean that he engages in prostitution, adding that he had been called different names throughout his life because of his unconventional personality.

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.”

Charly Boy said Obasanjo’s willingness to publicly tease him was also, in his view, a sign of affection and familiarity. He recalled that the former president had also spoken positively about his relationship with his late father, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, and his mother.

According to him, Obasanjo had described qualities he respected in him, particularly the way he stood by his parents. Charly Boy therefore said he would simply accept the teasing as part of their relationship.

He concluded humorously: “Baba, I hear you. But I no agree with the ashawo part o!”