In this exclusive interview with Aderonke Bello of Naij.com the 65-year-old stylish grandfather talked about his late dad, the great Justice Oputa, he expressed his love for him, and how he missed the father. He also talked about marriage and the things that kept him going.
Naij.com: You are called “Area Father”, why the choice of this name?
Charly Boy: Ask my area sons. I guess because I have mentored many and have inspired millions.
Naij.com: We haven’t heard much from you lately in terms of your music career and your fans are wondering why the silence? Are you working on any single should we expect an album from you anytime soon?
Charles Oputa: You’re looking in the wrong places.
Naij.com: You are one of few Nigerians who have thrown their weight in support of Caitlyn Jenner in a country where such is criticized? What are your reasons for this?
Charles Oputa: To each it’s own. I preach freedom not hypocrisy.
Naij.com: In recent times, you have continued to criticise some actions of government. Are we expecting you to join politics to help better the lot of the masses of Nigeria?
Charles Oputa: So anyone who criticises government wants to join politics, hummmmmm.
Naij.com: Your are 64-year-old and still looking young and strong. Can you share with us some the secrets that have kept you this young?
Charles Oputa: Healthy life style. With an open and free heart.
Naij.com: It’s been 37 years since you got married to your wife, Diana. What has been the secret of this union despite all the controversies?
Charles Oputa: Marriage is not about living with someone you’re compatible with. It’s living and dealing with our incompatibilities.
Naij.com: How do you take criticism as you are known to be controversial, you were once labeled gay, are you truly gay or bisexual?
Charles Oputa: I love criticism if it’s constructive, otherwise, I no send. If I am gay or bisexual I would be proud of it.
Naij.com: Is it true you have a coffin in your house, if yes, what’s the use?
Charles Oputa: Charlyboy shenanigans, what else is new.
Naij.com: Are you truly a ritualist because of your love for skulls as speculated by some people?
Charles Oputa: Who knows maybe I suck blood, ha ha ha.
Naij.com: Whats your take on the Biafra movement?
Charles Oputa: No take.
Naij.com: What do you think about the emergence of Muhamadu Buhari as the Nigerian president?
Charles Oputa: I dey look.
Naij.com: Please tell us about the your dad, the Late Justice Oputa. What you missed about him and what you will always remember him for?
Charles Oputa: For the past twelve years before he passed on in my house in 2014, I brought my parents from Oguta in their retirement to live with me in my Abuja residence. To look after them, love, care and protect them in their old age. Some times I feel I was making restitution for all my rascality and the high blood pressure I might have caused them in my teenage years. Oh Yeah! I was a hand full.
The time we spent in my house were great years of great bonding between father and son. With hindsight I prefer to interpret that singular decision to bring them to live with me, as one of the most profound thing I ever did in my life. Through the constant casual discussions we had, engaging him at different levels of intellectual and interactive intercourse, I became very curious about life. He reawakened in me a deeper meaning to life, the realisation of my purpose on earth, the reinforcement of the strong values he engraved in my DNA. And above all, I learnt the value of contentment and humility from my Guru.
Not a lot of us are blessed with parents who make strong impact on our lives and shape our mindset. For this I am grateful to God. I feel blessed. I was raised on an overdose of strong morals, value, integrity, spirituality. It was pounded into my skull that a good name is worth more than all the billions in the bank. As a former Principal in his younger days, my father was a natural born teacher. Always wanting to share knowledge, so full of wits and wisdom. It was his love of wisdom that made me fall in love with him.
My father thought me Charles Chukwuemeke Oputa to lead a good moral life, to be mindful and aware of my thoughts and action and to keep developing wisdom and understanding in any situation I find myself.
We talked about the apparent injustices and inequalities that abound in Nigeria and around the world, and he kept downloading to me all the code of practice or way of life that leads to true happiness. One of his teachings was that wealth does not guarantee happiness and that wealth is impermanent. That in every country people suffer whether rich or poor. But those who seek to understand the true meaning of life can find true happiness.
As we both came into the light; understanding our individual gifts from God, he talked about me with Pride. About my tenacity, consistency, focus, belief in self, and in my ability to be who so ever I want to be in a conservative environment.
What’s the point in all of this?
It is really not where we’re coming from that counts but where we are heading to. There is more to life than gold and silver. If you don’t have the kinda friendship I shared with my father and you have children, let this be your opportunity to draw them closer and nurture them with the right value and character. It is not the material things you leave for your children that counts, but the things you teach them. I thank God that my pop passed on to me billions in value and spirituality. Can you feel me?
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