It is no longer news that former head of state, General Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR) and legendary singer, actor and social engineer, Charly Boy, are two inseparable buddies. Despite the very obvious age difference, the pair not only enjoys an enviable father and son relationship, they have taken things a couple of notches higher. Their friendship is beyond conventional. They act like two childhood friends who had been separated for decades and only just found each other again. The chemistry between them and the energy they display in each other’s company like they were much younger men makes it all even more special and unique in several ways. And when you consider the degree at which tribal sentiments have torn Nigeria apart at this very time, and the fact that OBJ is Yoruba while Charly Boy is Igbo, then one appreciates deeper how profoundly unique their friendship is.
Few days ago, OBJ, again, displayed his unwavering affection for his adopted son and friend, Charly Boy, aka Area Fada. He paid him a surprise visit at his Lagos, Ajah, residence. The Odudubariba 1 of Africa had been under the weather for almost ten days with the Flu. He couldn’t leave the house nor get involved in activities geared towards the take off of his next project – the world tour of his new book, 999 and the unveiling of the Charly Boy Foundation for men battling with prostate cancer. Somehow, word got to his adopted father, OBJ, that his stubborn and rascally boy had been hit by the Flu. And without thinking to make any big deal of his intention, OBJ, who himself is playing a pivotal role in the world tour project, leading the team on the first phase of the tour which includes trips to London, Germany and Kenya, got on the road and defied the long distance and traffic to see his favourite son.
It is said that sometimes, the people who truly love you do not announce themselves. They do not send long notices neither do they send a short warning of their impending visit. They just get on the road and drive down because they know their visit requires no special occasion or preparation. These are the people who don’t need an invitation to come check up on you. And to the Area Fada, OBJ is one of such special people.
As one would expect, it was an excited and immensely grateful Charly Boy that welcomed the man who has taken up the responsibility to play the role of his late father, the celebrated Judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa. It was a deeply profound moment for the Area Fada who felt humbled by the visit. And by the time Baba OBJ took his leave, Charly Boy was not only brighter than he was before OBJ’s arrival, he was also reinvigorated and ready to hit the ground running again as he had been fired up by Baba’s infectious energy and hunger for productive engagements.
He said of the visit: “I am humbled by his visit, I almost couldn’t believe he had come all the way down here to see me. That just tells you that what we share is special and it will remain so for a very long time to come, for as long as God continues to keep him safe and healthy for us.”
On his relationship with Baba, he shares a perspective many may not have known: “I love the man. I love his openness. I love his wits. I love his humor. Baba may not give me money, but Baba has given me what is worth more than money. He's made a lot of people come to understand the brand that I built years ago. People who are still confused, they say, okay, now I get it because Baba won't ever support rubbish. So the fact that we're this bonded signifies something. And we like the same things. We believe that a new and better Nigeria is possible. And that is exactly the whole point. He also wants to see a better Nigeria.”
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