Veteran Nigerian entertainer and social commentator Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has responded to the viral moment involving former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the London presentation of his memoir, 999.

Obasanjo, who served as chief host at the September 29 event, was seen in a video playfully throwing several colourful descriptions at Charly Boy, including “thief,” “barawo,” “drug addict” and “ashawo.” The remarks quickly attracted attention online, with some Nigerians questioning what the former president meant by the reference.

Charly Boy later addressed the issue in a post on X, explaining that he did not understand Obasanjo's use of the word to mean that he was involved in prostitution. Instead, he presented the comment as part of the unusual familiarity and banter that has characterised their relationship over the years.

The entertainer pointed to the many labels he has received throughout his public life because of his unconventional personality and outspoken approach to social issues. He suggested that Obasanjo's willingness to tease him publicly reflected the former president's personal affection and familiarity with him.

The relationship between the two men has been publicly documented on several occasions. Obasanjo has previously referred to Charly Boy as a “jagajaga boy” while also speaking positively about the way the entertainer cared for his late father, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.

Obasanjo's connection to Charly Boy's latest project goes beyond the London event. The former president wrote the foreword to 999 and served as chief host at the Nigerian launch of the memoir in Lagos before joining the international presentation in London.

The memoir, 999 – The Memoir of Charly Boy, was formally unveiled in Lagos on July 31 before the London presentation formed part of a wider international tour. The London programme also incorporated the Charly Boy Foundation for Men, which is focused on raising awareness around men's health and prostate cancer, particularly among Black communities.

Charly Boy's response suggested that he chose to take Obasanjo's comments in the spirit in which they were delivered rather than treat them as a literal accusation. He joked about accepting the nickname while making it clear that he did not agree with that particular description.

The exchange has since generated considerable discussion online, but the available video reports and Charly Boy's own response frame the episode as a lighthearted interaction between two figures with a longstanding personal connection rather than a formal allegation of wrongdoing.

For Charly Boy, the episode has become another memorable moment surrounding the launch of 999, a memoir that explores his life, entertainment career, activism and experiences outside the conventional public image associated with him.