(PHOTOS)
The path of self-discovery and originality from cradle to greatness is less traveled by sojourners because it is long, dusty, and turbulent with no shortcuts to the preferred destination. Great men like CHARLY BOY are not necessarily perfect. They only stand out from the crowd with a mark of distinction and deviation- daring to be who they truly are. Thus, they see, think and act above the norm of events. They do not speak the language of the immediate generation and are rarely understood by contemporaries because they are future-based and in some cases stigmatized as controversial until their perspectives and actions, for which they were stigmatized become obvious to the wondering society in retrospect.
Early in life, CHARLY BOY, like the Legendary Afro-beat King, FELA ANIKULAPO KUTI, was tossed between upholding his aristocratic status as first son of the renowned JUSTICE CHUKWUDIFU OPUTA, and establishing his originality on the sands of time by heeding the call of destiny to make a difference in his generation. He rebelled against parental interference in his career path with a determination to deliver himself as a gift to his generation. A decision he paid dearly for.
Consistent with his aristocratic background, CHARLY BOY attended the prestigious Harvard University; a world-class University in the USA with a track record of producing great world leaders including President BARAK OBAMA. He also studied Communications at Emerson University also in the USA.
Upon completion of his University education, CHARLY BOY returned to Nigeria, but against the high hopes of his father, he opted for the streets instead of accepting the plum job at Mobil Oil and Gas that was already secured for him ahead of his arrival by his influential father. At this point, the AREA FADA as he will be called by the area boys on the streets, incurred the wrath of his Parents who withdrew all their support for him describing him as a big rascal, and the black - sheep of the family.
Coping with the grim ordeals of his fluctuating fortune after his parent jettisoned him was not an easy task, but with the prospect of a glorious future in mind, CHARLY BOY doggedly faced the situation headlong and rose above the storms that threaten his self-actualization.
CHARLY BOY believes that no price is too much to pay to actualize a great vision. So upon losing the support of his Parent, he retired back to his village - Oguta in Imo State, Nigeria. And had to condescend to selling beer and pepper soup in a semi-beer joint to survive while his American wife, Lady D who became one of the strongest creative forces behind the success of the CHARLY BOY brand, was rumoured to have gone back to the United States to make money for their upkeep. In fact, he was accused of using juju on his wife who would never abandon him in spite of the many controversies surrounding him.
Another woman who played a key role at this most critical stage of CHARLY BOY’S development was the popular artiste, the late TYNA ONWUDIWE. She was instrumental to the movement of CHARLY BOY from the village to Lagos to pursue his entertainment career. Initially, it was not very easy as he delved into music, his breakthrough came through ZOOMTIME.
Today, CHARLY BOY is not only an entertainer but a house hold name and an enigmatic social engineer who has carved a niche for himself with an amazing cult followership. C.B as he is fondly called by close pals and loyalists chose a different path against the wish of his people and consistently pursued his vision to reality. The seemingly lost child has now become one of the most respected of his family and a reputable figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
From the days of no slippers like our President, to the years of lost future in the village, the enigmatic Area Fada began his journey. When little or nothing is heard about those he started with, CHARLY BOY has consistently kept his brand above boards. He is indisputably one of the most celebrated Nigerian entertainers, and obviously one of the richest celebrities in Africa.
Not much has been known over time about what the AREA FADA is worth in terms of wealth. Today, we have decided to dig into the world of fame and affluence of the AREA FADA, who navigated his way out of the artificial poverty he created for himself. Today, the Lost - sheep has become a child with a vision, and the same parents we hear live in his family house in Gwarinpa- Abuja.
It would be recalled that he had reportedly acquired a second-hand Helicopter in 2009 for his family use. Investigation had revealed that CHARLY BOY sold the Helicopter after one week of purchase due to some mechanical faults. However, the man who is synonymous with innovation zeal, zest and enthusiasm has continued to amass wealth for himself and his family through his artistic ingenuity.
CHARLY BOY who has been away to the United Kingdom for a tour is rumoured to have just acquired another second-hand Helicopter worth $780,000.00. It was rumoured that the Areafada bought the Helicopter from a company called Rim, which recently put up one of its Helicopters for sale. CHARLY BOY was said to have quickly rushed to the company to pay for the Helicopter. We cannot say exactly where the transaction took place.
As a result of this new development, we have taken a special timeout to gather very explicit and reliable information on the AREA FADA’S wealth profile from a source very close to the AREA FADA.
It is so shocking to know that CHARLY BOY has acquired apartments on every street in Gwarinpa, Abuja. It was further disclosed that out of his patriotism of the estate, Galadima bus stop and his street were named after him. The different houses he possesses have been put out to rent, as most of the tenants do not even have ideas on who owns them, as they deal strictly with the agents and his lawyers. His 25 buildings in Gwarinpa cannot be disputed. In recognition of his antecedents as a social engineer, some Bus stops in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Benin have been named after him.
The source had also given us some pictures he got from CHARLY BOY showing his different apartments abroad including Dubai (see photos), thirty landed property in Abuja including the newly secured CHARLY BOY YOUTH CENTRE, fleet of cars and power bikes, 3 apartments in Lagos, an apartment in the United States, and a night club in England.
A credible source had disclosed further that CHARLY BOY recently sold one of his apartments in Ghana. The Multi-billionaire has a mansion for an office just immediately after his house in the same estate.
CHARLY BOY has been rated by our reporter as one of the richest living celebrities in Nigeria. He has not only acquired fame, but stupendous wealth as well.
Despite the success, many troubling questions abound. Why has his life remained eccentric? Many have concluded that it is as a result of his wealth that he continues to spend money on make-ups, eccentric costumes. Some have said that it is because he feels so successful that he now sleeps in Coffins, keeps Python as a pet and a host of other weird things he does. Even at that, he is obviously not deterred by mounting criticisms as he appears to be too comfortable with his life-style.
Today, “The Stone that the builders rejected” has now become “the chief cornerstone” in the OPUTA family. The supposed stubborn child, and so called “big rascal”, and “black - sheep” of the family is now a positive reference point and major help to the family.
Despite his achievements, the General of the People’s army as he is sometimes called is down to earth. People who have met the Areafada one on one have confessed that his humility is to a fault. This is not unconnected to the place he stands in the society. This could also be a strategy he has put in place to be associate freely with the masses he advocates for.
Apart from his wealth, not many are even aware that the Areafada is a grandfather. Charlyboy is said to be happy with his 9 children who are all doing well in their various endeavors. They are mostly graduates. One of his sons is an Associate Professor at MIT, Boston.
His meteoric rise from grass to grace is not just phenomenal but inspiring. Certainly, behind every glory, there is a story. Indeed CHARLY BOY’S story is that of “from rags to riches”, “from cradle to greatness”, from obscurity to fame, from poverty to stupendous wealth and from failure to success in life. This is a story of vision, doggedness, consistency, tenacity, perseverance and great focus; an obvious inspirational story to the youth.
