Charly Boy Withdraws Respect for Prof Wole Soyinka Over National Arts Theatre Renaming

Image: X

Veteran singer and social activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has announced that he will no longer accord respect to Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka.

Charly Boy, a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu, made this assertion in a post on his official X handle on Friday. His reaction came after the renaming of the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, after Soyinka.

In a tribute to celebrate Soyinka’s 90th birthday, President Tinubu announced the renaming of the iconic facility after the esteemed writer and academic.

Charly Boy expressed his disapproval in a strongly-worded post, stating, "Uncle WOLE I henceforth withdraw all the respect I once had for you. When late Jimmyjohnson talked about you in the 90s, I thought he was only yabbing you. Wow! How some of our MIGHTYs have fallen, for beans, ewa, dodo, is it for rice?”

See Charly Boy's Post Below:

2 Shameless Old men.

Uncle WOLE I henceforth withdraw all the respect I once had for you.

When late Jimmyjohnson talked about you in the 90s, I thought he was only yabbing you.

Wow! How some of our MIGHTYs have fallen, for beans, ewa, dodo, is it for rice?😢 pic.twitter.com/QKInbjnelO

— Charly Boy Area Fada 1 (@AreaFada1) July 12, 2024

Charly Boy’s post has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many weighing in on the renaming of the National Arts Theatre and its implications. While some support Charly Boy’s stance, others argue that the honor is well-deserved for Soyinka’s contributions to literature and the arts.

The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on the actions and legacies of prominent public figures in Nigeria. As the discussion continues, it underscores the complex interplay between politics, respect, and cultural recognition.

Source: DP

#Charly Boy
#Wole Soyinka
#National Theatre