As you read this, preparations are already in top gear for, perhaps the biggest book launch of the year- Charly Boy's highly anticipated new book titled '999'. Popularly called the Area Fada, or the Odudubariba 1 of Africa as others would prefer, Charly Boy, known for his quality and perfectionist approach to every project he undertakes, has painstakingly put together a breathtaking compilation of some of his most compelling and defining experiences in life.
Speaking to a group of senior Editors selected from some of the most recognised media organisations across the country, Charly Boy explains why he chose to do the book strangely titled, '999'.
"I have written a book before titled, 'My Private Part', but this one is much more detailed. This new book, '999' contains a whole lot more about my past that 'My Private Part' didn't reflect," he says.
"And from the look of the book, to the contents and layout of the pages, you can tell that I really took my time. In terms of contents ranging from way back in my early days to the present, this one is way different. People are going to be very amazed at the kind of challenges I have faced in my life and how I survived them."
When asked why he felt he needed to do the book, the Area Fada responded candidly, "I wanted people to learn from what I have been through. I think a lot of people will learn a great deal from my various experiences when they read '999' because it's basically a reflection of what you, myself and the next person have been through in life. It doesn't matter whether you come from a privileged home, like I did, because I am an ‘Aje’ butter through and through but yet ran into all manner of troubles. When I got to the United States, for instance, I got myself involved into all kinds of things such as drugs, credit card scam and the sort. Everything is contained in '999'. I need people to take out some of the positives from my experiences, apply them and put them to good use. So, a lot these aspects of my life the public didn't know about are contained in the books."
No doubt, one of the most defining moments of his life was when he publicly declared that he'd disowned his father who didn't approve of his lifestyle and career choice as an entertainer.
Charly Boy's father was the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa. He was a highly respected jurist and former Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, often referred to as the "Socrates of the Supreme Court", so it was understandable that he didn't find Charly Boy's lifestyle and rebellious nature the least amusing.
"It was a really big issue back then," he recalls. "I had no money, no support, I had to send my wife back to the US to get herself a job or something while I patch things up back in the village. I was living in a free house in the village. At least, I didn't have to pay house rent, but I needed to eat and survive. My father and I could barely see eye to eye."
He recalled with pride the turning point in their relationship when he became very close to his father and he, in turn, became very proud of him seeing his accomplishments and growing popularity as an entertainer.
It is an open secret that Charly Boy and OBJ enjoy such an enviable father and son relationship that dates back to when Charly Boy's father, the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, was still alive. He has been very supportive of the Charly Boy brand and has particularly thrown his full weight behind the book launch to ensure it records resounding success.
"I won't ever forget the day OBJ spoke publicly about me at an event," the Area Fada recalls with pride. "He said, don't mind all that madness you please see Charly Boy displaying all over the place, he takes very good care of his parents"
Many will still remember that Charly Boy, in the mid eighties, fought for the rights of military pensioners during the Abacha led military dispensation by marching to Defence Headquarters in Abuja to demand for the payment of their pension arreas. He is also known to have fought relentlessly for the rights of the Okada operators in the country. In recent time, he ceaselessly demanded accountability from the late Muhammadu Buhari administration and the Bola Tinubu government.
Charly Boy Oputa may be in his 70s but he still has enough fire burning in him to last him another 30 years. As he begins preparations to launch ‘999’, a book selected few who have seen it describe as rich, deep and insightful, Charly Boy continues to leave his marks on the sands of time by making phenomenal strides that leave many in awe of his depth of creativity and tenacity. The already popular '999,' according to the Area Fada, will make big impact considering it’s a compilation of some his most intriguing and life changing experiences in life. The book also reveals Charly Boy's opinions and stand on a variety of controversial issues and subjects that cut across politics, society and sensitive national matters. And yet, despite his very hectic creative engagements and grueling schedules as the founder and point man of the Charly Boy Foundation aimed at making intense efforts to help men with prostate cancer, the Area Fada still never tires to hold the Tinubu administration accountable. He calls out the government every single time they implement policies he considers anti-people. And, from the look of things, he’s not looking to stop speaking truth to power any time from soon
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