Charly Boy Opens Up About Near-Depression Battle Amid Bus Stop Renaming Controversy
Lagos, Nigeria – September 3, 2025 – Veteran Nigerian entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, widely known as Charly Boy or Area Fada, has candidly shared how the public backlash and emotional toll from the renaming of a bus stop bearing his name nearly plunged him into depression. The 74-year-old icon, in a heartfelt social media post, revealed that the incident forced him to flee Nigeria temporarily to preserve his mental health, highlighting the often-overlooked realities of depression in the country.
The controversy erupted in late July 2025 when the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State, under outgoing Chairman Kolade David, announced the renaming of several streets and landmarks to honor local talents. Among them, the iconic “Charly Boy Bus Stop” in Gbagada-Bariga, a nod to Oputa’s decades-long influence in the area from his popular 1990s TV show, was rechristened “Olamide Baddo Bus Stop” after Afrobeats star Olamide Adedeji. The move, part of a broader initiative to recognize figures like King Sunny Ade and Bukayo Saka, sparked widespread debate, with critics accusing it of ethnic undertones and an attempt to erase Oputa’s legacy as a vocal critic of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In his Instagram post on September 2, 2025, Charly Boy detailed the personal impact, stating, “Depression na real matter. I was lucky to take a break…I had to escape Nigeria just to save my sanity.” He described the “silliness and pettiness” of the saga as overwhelming, leading him to “japa” (flee) to Europe to visit his brother, musician Dr. Alban. Planning a three-week recharge, he returned after just 10 days, feeling an inexplicable pull back to Nigeria despite the stress. “Body begin scratch me like say I forget something for Nigeria, the same place wey dey give me sleepless nights,” he wrote, likening the experience to “jazz” (a mystical force).
Charly Boy emphasized his privilege in being able to escape, contrasting it with the plight of ordinary Nigerians who lack such options. “Some people no even get where to run to. Dem dey stuck with their pain, smiling on the outside, but bleeding inside,” he noted, urging open conversations about mental health. “We need to start talking about these things. Mental health no be joke, e no be weakness, e no be taboo. Na reality. If Area Fada fit admit say sometimes e dey choke, you too no need to pretend. Speak up, breathe, find your way back.”
The revelation has resonated deeply, reigniting discussions on mental health in Nigeria, where stigma often prevents people from seeking help. Experts, including psychologists, have praised Charly Boy’s vulnerability as a step toward destigmatization. Dr. Olumide Adebayo, a Lagos-based mental health advocate, commented, “When public figures like Charly Boy share their struggles, it normalizes the conversation and encourages others to seek support. Depression affects millions in Nigeria, exacerbated by socio-economic pressures.”
Social media reactions have been supportive, with fans and celebrities lauding his resilience. One X (formerly Twitter) user posted, “Charly Boy’s honesty about depression is powerful. Legacy isn’t just bus stops; it’s inspiring generations.” However, the post also drew trolls mocking the entertainer, underscoring the challenges of public vulnerability.
This isn’t the first time Charly Boy has addressed the renaming. Initially, he dismissed it as “petty” in July interviews, insisting his legacy—rooted in activism, music, and challenging authority—remains untouchable. “You can rename a place, but you can’t rename a legacy,” he declared at the time. The bus stop, organically named by locals in the 1990s, symbolized his cultural impact, but Charly Boy has since visited the site, humorously quipping about “yeye people wey wan show Fada power” (foolish people trying to show the father power).
As Nigeria grapples with rising mental health issues amid economic hardships, Charly Boy’s story serves as a reminder of the human cost behind public controversies. He concluded his post with optimism: “Life go still test us, but make we no let am break us. My people, here’s wishing you a happier month. It shall be well with us.”
The entertainer, son of late Supreme Court Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, continues to use his platform for advocacy, including through his “Our Mumu Don Do” movement. Fans hope this disclosure will spark broader awareness and policy changes for mental health support in Nigeria.