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Grace Izilien
Defiant Charles Oputa has declared no regrets for ‘walking his own path’, in a chat with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), as he clocks the age of 75.
The highly successful veteran showbiz maestro and activist confessed to being a complete opposite of what his late father, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa CFR, HLR represented, having been tipped to become a priest but, reportedly left the seminary after one year, in pursuit of his own destiny.
Charly Boy said he embraced music and the streets in sharp contrast to the will of his legal luminary father, with a determination to fight for the oppressed and egalitarian society, a very challenging decision with no regrets.
Oputa who studied in the US recounted how he turned down “high – paying job” at Mobil Unlimited, a multinational Oil and Gas company, on his return to Nigeria, to utter dismay of his erudite jury father. He noted that turning down the lucrative job offer, further strained already acrimonious relationship he had with his father.
“I only wanted to break out of my father’s shadow. I have no regret whatsoever, as life’s experience have built me into a stronger and fulfilled man,’’ he said.
He said that he has no regrets on the path he chose, because every challenge thought him a life lesson.
“I came from a very good home; my father wasn’t a rich man at all, though he wasn’t a poor man also. He just lived according to his means, on his salary.
“I thank God for the upbringing; I thank God for all the moral codes that were handed down by my father to me, which has made me to understand the essence of life itself.
“I am not a money man, I am not all about money; I am simple, humble, and I am contented above everything, these are the qualities handed down by my father.
“Today is my birthday and I just thank God that he still kept me alive and I will say that I have no regret looking back at my journey.
“I am spending my birthday on my bed, I am not going anywhere, no party, but taking phone calls and all the messages that are coming, and just chilling”, he said.
Charly Boy said plans were underway to unveil his memoir “999”, an intriguing story of his life’s journey so far.
He said the book was a tell-it- all tale of how he fought personal wars, rebelled against and disowned his parents and married four times before he turned 36.
Charles Oputa born on 19 June, 1950, is a foremost singer-songwriter, television presenter, actor and producer. He is known for his firm belief in humanity, welfarism, alternative lifestyle and political activism..
A former president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, he produced and hosted the popular Nigerian television program known for its sketch comedy, music, and celebrity appearances – “The Charly Boy Show’.
He featured as a judge in the 2011 edition of the ‘Nigerian Idol ‘ talent hunt show.
The “Odudubariba” of Kemi Adetiba’s blockbuster movie – “King of Boys” remains an icon in the entertainment industry and activism.
In 2017, Charly Boy led ‘Our Mumu Don Do’ movement, and participated in a daily sit out protest alongside other activists. He was actively involved in the fight for the rights of military pensioners in Abuja to demand payment of their cumulative pension arrears.
Charles Oputa has been married to African-American singer and former fashion designer Lady Diane for over 30 years, with children.
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