TheCitizen - It's all about you
  • Home
  • Headlines
  • Latest News
  • Governance
  • Business
  • Financial Crimes
  • Opinion
  • Editorials
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Headlines
  • Latest News
  • Governance
  • Business
  • Financial Crimes
  • Opinion
  • Editorials
No Result
View All Result
TheCitizen - It's all about you
No Result
View All Result

My father apologised to me before he died — Charly Boy

The Citizen by The Citizen
May 9, 2014
in Society, Uncategorized
A A
0
22
SHARES
734
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Until 25 years ago,maverick musician, and eldest son of the eminent jurist and one-time Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa who died last Sunday at the National Hospital in Abuja, Charles Oputa popularly known as Charly  Boy  was not in the ‘good book’ of his father owing to his lifestyle.
But  the story changed immediately after father and son realised the importance of respecting each other’s feeling. While he lived, Pa Oputa  was his son’s best  companion.Charly Boy talks about what he shares in common with his late father as well as how he wants him to be buried.

We want to sympathise with you over the demise of your father?
Don’t sympathise with me, rather you should join me in celebrating a life well lived. I am celebrating my father’s life and times. He lived a fulfilled life,so there is a great need to celebrate him.
What are you going to miss most about your father?
For the past 25 years, we bonded and have come to understand each other. We discussed anything under the sun. I am proud to have had a father like him. What I am going to miss most about him is the companionship that we enjoyed with each other. It came to a point where I didn’t remember I have a mother.
How would his demise affect your lifestyle as the eldest son ?
You should direct that question to my mother because she has lived with her late husband  for almost 70 years. But I started enjoying my relationship with my father about 30 years  ago. And that was after  he decided to give me the kind of respect I deserved from him. Initially he thought I took a wrong step in life.
But after he saw my works, and what I represent, he had no choice than to sheathe his sword. I would say that there is no great difference between my father and myself in terms of our philosophies and approach to life.
Do you think the misunderstanding you had with your late father when you returned to the country after your long sojourn in America helped to shape your life?
It wasn’t a problem as such. I guess, it was out of concern they showed to me for a brighter future.  They weren’t too sure that being an entertainer would guarantee  my survival in life.  Then, I already had a job waiting for me. But I thank God it didn’t work that way  because I am now living  my dreams. I didn’t go into entertainment to make money, but importantly,  to earn my respect. Everything is not about money.
Do you have any plan to immortalise your father’s name?
Yes, people easily forget that you have once lived. So, I wouldn’t let anybody forget that my dad made an indelible impact on the nation’s legal profession.
Did your father tell you anything before he passed on?
He was just trying to tell me something about two hours before he passed on.  I went to visit him in the hospital where he was on admission because for some days he wasn’t eating very well. I insisted to feed him that morning, and I pleaded that he should corporate with me. It was then he said, he wanted to apologise to me.’Apologise for what! I queried him?
He replied me saying, given the nature of his sickness, and its complication, he’s sorry for everything.  But when I cautioned him, he said, since he was apologising, I wouldn’t accept it, that I would  have to get an appeal. It was like a joke between father and son. Later, I told him, I was going to take my bath upstairs. And within 2 hours  while I was away, he gave up the ghost. That was how it happened.
How would you describe the life he lived?
He was not too  different from Charly Boy. He was a book warm; philosopher, poet and legal luminary.  While he wore suits and ties, I dressed like a mad man. That’s the only difference between him and myself. But we think alike and have the same approach to life. That’s why we were able to bond.
Would you mind a state burial for your father as an eminent jurist and one-time Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria?
My father’s death should not be used for politics because I will resist any attempt to hijack the burial plans by politicians. My father was not a politician when he was alive. This is a warning to those who are already making plans to use his death to advance their political careers. When he was sick, nobody visited him in the hospital except his family.
Whatever arrangement, anybody is making, the family must be carried along. I will not hesitate to embarrass anybody who wants to take the family for granted. I am not against the federal government giving my father a state burial because he deserved it, but the family must be carried along in whatever plans they are making. Meanwhile, we are yet to announce the burial arrangements.
While you were with your father, what was his opinion about the state of the nation?
I could remember about three weeks ago, while I was in my sitting room watching television with him. I raised an issue, wondering whether they would ever get anything right in this country. And he responded that “an average Nigerian is incapable of deep thought.”

Vanguard

Share9Tweet6
Previous Post

Dangote Cement fetes customers with N1.25billion bonus

Next Post

‘Govt policies made Aliko Dangote richest in Africa’

Related Posts

Why I’m still single at 34 – Moet Abebe
Society

Why I’m still single at 34 – Moet Abebe

December 4, 2023
Actor, Amaechi Muonagor, battles kidney disease, diabetes, stroke
Society

Actor, Amaechi Muonagor, battles kidney disease, diabetes, stroke

November 29, 2023
FG to partner Microsoft on video games showcasing Nigerian culture
Society

FG to partner Microsoft on video games showcasing Nigerian culture

November 25, 2023
American rapper, Snoop Dogg, quits smoking
Society

American rapper, Snoop Dogg, quits smoking

November 17, 2023
Doctors amputate Mr Ibu’s leg to keep actor alive
Society

Doctors amputate Mr Ibu’s leg to keep actor alive

November 7, 2023
Okonjo-Iweala celebrates as son marries in Germany
Society

Okonjo-Iweala celebrates as son marries in Germany

November 6, 2023
Next Post

‘Govt policies made Aliko Dangote richest in Africa’

#BringBackOurGirls: Shettima declares 3-day fasting

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

FROM THE GRASSROOTS

Ubulu-Uku monarch returns to throne as community holds reception Dec 27

Ubulu-Uku monarch returns to throne as community holds reception Dec 27

by Ezra Ikpeama
December 5, 2023
0

...

Ondo Assembly approves LG interim chairmen, deputies

Ondo Assembly approves LG interim chairmen, deputies

by Ezra Ikpeama
December 1, 2023
0

...

Rivers, Bayelsa oil communities lament neglect, failure to implement PIA

Rivers, Bayelsa oil communities lament neglect, failure to implement PIA

by Ezra Ikpeama
November 20, 2023
0

...

Imo community raises alarm over forceful acquisition of ancestral land

Imo community raises alarm over forceful acquisition of ancestral land

by Ezra Ikpeama
October 10, 2023
0

...

APPOINTMENTS

NNPCL denies plans to hike petrol price

Tinubu appoints NNPCL board members, management team

by Ezra Ikpeama
November 27, 2023
0

...

Ex-minister, Abba Moro emerges Senate Minority Leader

Ex-minister, Abba Moro emerges Senate Minority Leader

by Ezra Ikpeama
November 22, 2023
0

...

Tinubu appoints Isa as Aide on Disability Matters

Tinubu appoints Isa as Aide on Disability Matters

by Ezra Ikpeama
November 9, 2023
0

...

Kano Governor appoints female Head of Service

Kano Governor appoints female Head of Service

by Ezra Ikpeama
November 2, 2023
0

...

ODDITIES

Patient flees Ogun hospital over unpaid medical bills

Patient flees Ogun hospital over unpaid medical bills

by Ezra Ikpeama
December 6, 2023
0

Nigerian UK-based nurse reportedly sacked, deported for praying for patient

Nigerian UK-based nurse reportedly sacked, deported for praying for patient

by Ezra Ikpeama
December 1, 2023
0

Why more men commit suicide in Africa – Medical Advisor

Why more men commit suicide in Africa – Medical Advisor

by Ezra Ikpeama
November 29, 2023
0

GLOBAL NEWS

NUSA to focus on women empowerment, education, others for members

NUSA to focus on women empowerment, education, others for members

by Ezra Ikpeama
December 7, 2023
0

...

Russian teenager shoots classmates, injures five

Russian teenager shoots classmates, injures five

by Ezra Ikpeama
December 7, 2023
0

...

UK signs new treaty to send asylum seekers to Rwanda

UK signs new treaty to send asylum seekers to Rwanda

by Ezra Ikpeama
December 6, 2023
0

...

Venezuela raises stakes over disputed Guyana territory

Venezuela raises stakes over disputed Guyana territory

by Ezra Ikpeama
December 6, 2023
0

...

U.S: If Trump wasn’t in the race, I won’t seek re-election – Biden

U.S: If Trump wasn’t in the race, I won’t seek re-election – Biden

by Ezra Ikpeama
December 6, 2023
0

...

State of the States

Sokoto governor approves N18bn for state projects

Sokoto governor approves N18bn for state projects

by Ezra Ikpeama
December 7, 2023
0

...

Sokoto govt inaugurates Council of Ease of Doing Business

Sokoto govt inaugurates Council of Ease of Doing Business

by Ezra Ikpeama
December 6, 2023
0

...

Edo State gets approval to build new airport

Gov. Obaseki approves date for payment of 13th month salary for Edo workers

by Ezra Ikpeama
December 5, 2023
0

...

Enugu: Gov Mbah presents N521.5bn budget for 2024

Enugu: Gov Mbah presents N521.5bn budget for 2024

by Ezra Ikpeama
December 5, 2023
0

...

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
UK licenses 266 Nigerian doctors in two months

UK licenses 266 Nigerian doctors in two months

August 3, 2022
US govt reaches agreement with Niger junta, resumes drone aircraft, crewed aircraft operations

US govt reaches agreement with Niger junta, resumes drone aircraft, crewed aircraft operations

September 16, 2023
Coup: Russia warns ECOWAS, others against Niger intervention threats

Coup: Russia warns ECOWAS, others against Niger intervention threats

August 2, 2023
Leah Sharibu married off to ISWAP Commander after ‘divorcing’ first husband – Report

Leah Sharibu married off to ISWAP Commander after ‘divorcing’ first husband – Report

September 28, 2023

Air Peace begins operations, offers airfare to Armed Forces personnel

170

Diezani breaks silence, reveals side of story in 3-part exclusive interview

26

FG’s N4trn contractual debts under Jonathan – National Mirror

21

2015: Washington Post condemns Jonathan for campaign slogan

20
Abducted Imo Catholic priest, driver regain freedom

Abducted Imo Catholic priest, driver regain freedom

December 9, 2023
Rhoda Jatau regains freedom after 18 months in detention

Rhoda Jatau regains freedom after 18 months in detention

December 9, 2023
Procter & Gamble shuts Nigeria plant as forex crisis takes toll on production

Procter & Gamble shuts Nigeria plant as forex crisis takes toll on production

December 7, 2023
NUSA to focus on women empowerment, education, others for members

NUSA to focus on women empowerment, education, others for members

December 7, 2023

EDITORIAL REVIEW

Emigration of the last scholars – Thisday

Emigration of the last scholars – Thisday

by Ezra Ikpeama
December 6, 2023
0

Tinubu’s insensitive COP28 jamboree – Punch

Tinubu’s insensitive COP28 jamboree – Punch

by Ezra Ikpeama
December 5, 2023
0

Budget 2024 a whimper, not a bang – Punch

Budget 2024 a whimper, not a bang – Punch

by Ezra Ikpeama
December 4, 2023
0

Super Eagles’ shaky World Cup start – Punch

Super Eagles’ shaky World Cup start – Punch

by Ezra Ikpeama
November 29, 2023
0

Insecurity: Police IG sets up panel to review firearms licensing, regulations

Egbetokun, deploy police officers properly – Punch

by Ezra Ikpeama
November 27, 2023
0

Opinion

Navigating Africa’s Turbulent Waters: Resurgent coups and the shadowy world of PMCs

Navigating Africa’s Turbulent Waters: Resurgent coups and the shadowy world of PMCs

by Ezra Ikpeama
October 17, 2023
0

...

Setting the facts straight about Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede & his eligibility for EFCC Chairmanship

Setting the facts straight about Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede & his eligibility for EFCC Chairmanship

by Ezra Ikpeama
October 12, 2023
0

...

Fostering wealth transfer and economic growth

Fostering wealth transfer and economic growth

by Ezra Ikpeama
October 3, 2023
0

...

Teacher’s Day Celebration: Tackling fundamentals of national educational system

Teacher’s Day Celebration: Tackling fundamentals of national educational system

by Ezra Ikpeama
September 27, 2023
0

...

  • UK licenses 266 Nigerian doctors in two months

    UK licenses 266 Nigerian doctors in two months

    131 shares
    Share 52 Tweet 33
  • US govt reaches agreement with Niger junta, resumes drone aircraft, crewed aircraft operations

    89 shares
    Share 36 Tweet 22
  • Coup: Russia warns ECOWAS, others against Niger intervention threats

    77 shares
    Share 31 Tweet 19
  • Leah Sharibu married off to ISWAP Commander after ‘divorcing’ first husband – Report

    76 shares
    Share 30 Tweet 19
  • NCC sets record clear in alleged leakage of Obi-Oyedepo call

    68 shares
    Share 27 Tweet 17
  • Home
  • Headlines
  • Latest News
  • Governance
  • Business
  • Financial Crimes
  • Opinion
  • Editorials

© 2023 TheCitizen Ng. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Headlines
  • Latest News
  • Governance
  • Business
  • Financial Crimes
  • Opinion
  • Editorials

© 2023 TheCitizen Ng. All Rights Reserved.