Charles Oputa, veteran Nigerian entertainer, popularly known as Charly Boy or Area Fada, has spoken about how he handled the controversy that followed the renaming of a Lagos bus stop originally named after him.
The bus stop, known as Charly Boy Bus Stop, was changed to Olamide Bus Stop. The renaming happened at a time when several streets and bus stops bearing Igbo names were reportedly changed to Yoruba names, sparking ethnic discussions.
At the peak of the controversy, Charly Boy had said that although the authorities could change the name of a bus stop, his legacy could not be erased.
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In a new statement shared on his social media page, the singer explained that he decided to take a break for the sake of his mental health. He revealed that he travelled out of the country to avoid being overwhelmed by the situation.
“After all the silliness and pettiness of the bus stop shenanigans, I say make I take short break from our potopoto environment before Nigeria happen to me. Didn’t want to drown in people’s madness,” he wrote.
He further stated that he visited Europe to see his brother, musician Dr. Alban, and had initially planned to spend three weeks abroad to recharge. However, he said he could not stay long because he started feeling the urge to return home.
“Na so I come japa go Europe go visit my bro Dr. Alban. I was to spend 3 weeks recharging and rebooting. You can’t imagine, only after 10 days body begin scratch me, like say I forget something for Nigeria, the same environment wey dey give me sleepless nights sometimes. Couldn’t even do 2 weeks complete, I don run come back. Sometimes e be like jazz,” he said.
Charly Boy stressed that the experience taught him the importance of prioritising mental health, noting that depression is real and many Nigerians do not have the means to take a break when overwhelmed.
“But here’s the truth, depression na real matter. I was lucky enough to take a break, step away and come back refreshed. But how many people get that kind privilege? Some people no even get where to run to. Dem dey stuck with their pain, smiling on the outside, but bleeding inside,” he added.
The entertainer called for more open conversations about mental health in Nigeria. According to him, it should not be seen as weakness or taboo.
“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. Life go still test us, but make we no let am break us,” Charly Boy said.
He ended his post with a message of encouragement to Nigerians, wishing them a happier month.
