A Golden Tribute: Charly Boy Steals the Show With Custom Gift at Obasanjo’s 89th Birthday Ceremony
ABEOKUTA — Veteran Nigerian entertainer Charles Oputa, widely known as Charly Boy, delivered one of the most heartwarming moments at the 89th birthday celebration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday.
Amidst a gathering of heavy-weight politicians and diplomats at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, the self-proclaimed “Area Fada” brought his signature flair to honor the elder statesman.
The “Baba @ 89” Golden Surprise
The Entrance: Dressed in a sharp, patterned suit, Charly Boy playfully hoisted a massive, shiny gold-wrapped gift box over his head before bringing it down to present to the seated former President.
The Reveal: A visibly pleased Obasanjo carefully untied the thick golden ribbon and opened the box. Inside lay a pristine white fabric—appearing to be a customized towel or traditional material—boldly embroidered with the words: “BABA @ 89 from Charly Boy.”
The Appreciation: As onlookers cheered, Obasanjo admired the personalized gift. Charly Boy then leaned in, warmly wrapping his arm around the 89-year-old leader and giving him an affectionate kiss on the cheek.
“I Dey Kampe”: Obasanjo Shuts Down Death Rumors
The lighthearted gift presentation served as a fitting highlight for a birthday celebration that almost didn’t happen—at least according to fake news peddlers.
Just hours before the ceremony, Obasanjo publicly addressed and dismissed malicious rumors circulating online that he had predicted his own impending death.
Speaking with his trademark bluntness at his birthday colloquium, the former military Head of State declared that God still had a purpose for him. “That is their wish and surely not God’s wish for me,” Obasanjo stated firmly. “God has assured me that He has more for me to do on earth… I dey kampe as usual.”
A Nation Celebrates “Baba”
Charly Boy’s personal tribute joins a flood of national goodwill directed at the former president.
Presidential Praises: President Bola Tinubu released a statement praising Obasanjo’s “towering influence” across Africa, acknowledging his sacrifices for Nigeria’s unity and his transition from a military ruler to a democratic leader.
Opposition Leaders Unite: Political rivals temporarily set aside their differences to honor the statesman. Former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and NNPP’s Rabiu Kwankwaso both attended the Abeokuta event in person to celebrate Obasanjo’s enduring legacy.
As Charly Boy’s golden gift circulates across social media, it underscores a rare moment of cross-generational and cross-cultural respect for one of Nigeria’s most influential living leaders.