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Veteran singer and social activist Charles “Charly Boy” Oputa is currently trending on social media following the dramatic way he presented a birthday gift to former President Olusegun Obasanjo during the elder statesman’s 89th birthday celebration.
In a video posted on his Instagram page on Thursday, which quickly went viral, the singer arrived at the celebration with a large gift box at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta.
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Dressed in a suit, Area Fada carried the oversized box on his head as he walked towards Mr Obasanjo’s table before gently placing it before the former president.
An excited Mr Obasanjo stood up, opened the box and began removing the items inside. After the unboxing, they exchanged a handshake and shared a friendly peck on the cheek, drawing applause from guests.
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Man of many parts
Reacting to the moment, which sparked widespread reactions on social media, Charly Boy wrote in the caption of the video that Mr Obasanjo remained “a man of many parts.”
He said: “Lately, I haven’t found myself falling for His Excellency Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. He’s truly a man of many parts. It feels as if our relationship has reached a whole new level, the way he warms my heart and always makes me smile whenever I see him. Sometimes, I even feel as though my late father, who was an old friend of Baba, is still whispering to me through him.
“If I try to explain, I feel fine, even at ease, but deep down, the feeling is real. Today, I attended Baba’s birthday celebration. The tables were full, people laughing, prominent men and women greeting one another, and delicious food flowing. The whole hall was alive with energy.
Then Baba entered. As Chief Olusegun Obasanjo stepped inside, the entire atmosphere shifted. Respect filled the room. People stood. Glasses were raised.”
History
Additionally, Charly Boy described Obasanjo as a man about whom history had written many chapters.
He added that he presented his gift in a rather unconventional manner, noting that the moment he handed it over to the former president was marked by simplicity, love, warmth, and joy.
“Smiles were everywhere. The man about whom history has already written many chapters sat at the high table like the true elder he is.
Then it was my turn to step forward. I carried my birthday gift, but not in the usual way. I had it on my head, steady! Village-boy style. Step by step, I walked to the high table. No rush. Just respect. Rhythm. And a little drama, just the way CharlyBoy does it.
“When I reached Baba, I presented the gift. It was a simple moment, but the love, warmth, and joy inside me were overwhelming. Then something happened that even shocked me. Baba planted a proper kiss on my forehead. The hall erupted in laughter.
Because sometimes, celebrations aren’t really about cake, champagne, or long speeches. Sometimes. It’s about honour. Honour for a life that has faced storms, battles, and history, yet still stands strong like an iroko tree. And today, Abeokuta witnessed it,” he said.
Backstory
Charly Boy, renowned for his outspoken criticism of the government, shares an uncommon relationship with Mr Obasanjo, founded on mutual respect, understanding, and a shared concern for Nigeria’s future.
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PREMIUM TIMES reported that, in an interview on the KaaTruths podcast, the singer said he is close to Mr Obasanjo because the former president genuinely wants the best for the country.
He added that the bond of their friendship endures because they share the same vision: Nigeria’s aspirations and dreams.
“I can see him (Mr Obasanjo) making moves to actualise that. That’s one of the things I respect about him. As for the others, old age has caught up with them—people who wasted their lives,” he said.
