Showbiz maestro CharlyBoy, turning 75, shares he has no regrets about his path, including a lifelong commitment to activism despite challenges

The CharlyBoy Activism and unique life path have defined veteran showbiz maestro Charles Oputa, popularly known as CharlyBoy, as he celebrates his 75th birthday.

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The all-time social activist affirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja that he harbours no regret for “walking his own path,” including his extensive involvement in activism.

The septuagenarian, who initially aspired to become a priest, left the seminary after just one year.

Oputa stated he was a complete opposite of what his late father represented, driven by an eagerness to chart his own course.

According to the ‘Areafada,’ as CharlyBoy is affectionately called, he chose music and embraced the streets, dashing his father’s high hopes for him.

He revealed that while his father was a legal luminary, he rebelled against parental interference in his career path.

He was determined to fight for the oppressed, a decision he “paid dearly for” but never regretted.

CharlyBoy recounted rejecting a plum job at Mobil Oil and Gas, arranged for him by his influential father upon his return from the US after studies.

He explained that this rejection sparked a long-standing “beef” between father and son for years.

“I only wanted to break out of my father’s shadow,” he said. “I have no regret whatsoever, as life’s experience has built me into a stronger and fulfilled man.”

CharlyBoy reiterated his lack of regrets, explaining that every negative experience offered a valuable 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,” CharlyBoy reflected.

“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.”

He added, “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.”

CharlyBoy confirmed he is spending his birthday relaxing at home, taking calls and messages.

The maverick activist also revealed plans to unveil his memoir, “999,” an intriguing story of his life’s journey so far.

He said the book would be a tell all tale of how he fought personal wars, rebelled against his parents, disowned them, and married four times before turning 36.

NAN reports that Charles Oputa, born on June 19, 1950, is the son of renowned former Supreme Court Justice, Chukwudifu Oputa.

He is a foremost singer songwriter, television presenter, actor, and producer, known for his alternative lifestyle, political views, and media productions.

He hosted the popular “The Charly Boy Show,” served as a 2011 judge for “Nigeria Idol,” and was a former president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria.

He has been married to African American singer and former fashion designer Diane for over 40 years, with children.

The “Areafada” is known as an advocate for the masses.

He has consistently fought for the rights of ordinary Nigerians, enduring torture by security operatives on several occasions for standing up to authorities.

In the mid nineties, CharlyBoy championed the rights of military pensioners during the military dispensation, marching to the defence headquarters in Abuja to demand payment of their pension arrears.

In 2017, CharlyBoy led the ‘Our Mumu Don Do’ movement, participating in a daily sit out protest alongside other activists.

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The movement aimed to pressure then President Muhammadu Buhari to resume office or resign, after the President had spent over 60 days outside the country on a health visit to the UK.