{
  "id": 11425098,
  "title": "Why Obasanjo called me ‘ashawo’ — Charly Boy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/why-obasanjo-called-me-ashawo-charly-boy",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-02T11:28:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/why-obasanjo-called-me-ashawo-charly-boy/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Veteran Nigerian entertainer Charly Boy, whose real name is Charles Oputa, has addressed the recent controversy surrounding former President Olusegun Obasanjo's teasing remarks about him during the launch of his memoir, 999, in London. Obasanjo, the chief host of the event, jokingly referred to Charly Boy as an \"ashawo,\" a term commonly used in Nigeria to describe a prostitute. The video of Obasanjo's remarks quickly circulated on social media, sparking questions and speculation from Nigerians about the former president's choice of words.\n\nIn a post on X, Charly Boy clarified that Obasanjo's use of the term \"ashawo\" was not meant to imply that he engaged in prostitution. Instead, he explained that it was a reflection of the close and familiar relationship they share. Charly Boy wrote, \"So Baba called me ASHAWO? Una dey ask me why Baba call me ashawo. My people, relax. Baba no mean say I dey run ashawo business. Or like say I dey follow women like Hegoat.\"\n\nThe entertainer also noted that Obasanjo's willingness to publicly tease him demonstrated the affection between them, stating, \"But make I tell you something. If Baba has reached the point where he can stand in public and dey call me like his stubborn son, that one sef na sign of love.\" Charly Boy further mentioned that Obasanjo had previously spoken highly of him, praising his relationship with his late father and mother, and even writing the foreword to his memoir.\n\nDespite the initial confusion, Charly Boy expressed his acceptance of the latest description, emphasizing that it was a part of their long-standing relationship. He said, \"So if Baba calls me ashawo boy today, no wahala bcos, it takes one to know one. I go just collect the title and continue my journey.\" Charly Boy concluded by addressing Obasanjo directly, saying, \"Baba, I hear you. But I no agree with the ashawo part o!\"",
  "summary": "Veteran entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has reacted after former President Olusegun Obasanjo jokingly described him as an “ashawo” during the London launch of his memoir, 999. The former president, who was the chief host of the September 29 event in London, was captured in a video making a series of teasing Read More:…",
  "key_points": [
    "Charly Boy clarifies Obasanjo's 'ashawo' remark wasn't about prostitution.",
    "Obasanjo's teasing reflects close, familiar relationship between them.",
    "Charly Boy accepts 'ashawo' as part of their longstanding bond."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Why Obasanjo called me ‘ashawo’ — Charly Boy",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/why-obasanjo-called-me-ashawo-charly-boy-11428803",
        "published": "2026-10-02T11:50:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}