VIDEO: Charly Boy Criticizes Wole Soyinka for Silence Amid Nigeria's Hardships

 Maverick entertainer Charles Oputa, known as Charly Boy, has criticized Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka for remaining silent during the current hardships faced by Nigerians. In a video shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Charly Boy contrasted Soyinka's current silence with his past activism, particularly highlighting Soyinka's leadership in a mass protest against former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Charly Boy recalled that Soyinka had led protests when Jonathan removed fuel subsidies, causing petrol prices to rise from N87 to N120. He questioned why Soyinka is now silent despite the severe challenges Nigerians are facing, accusing him of being a "tribalistic bigot."

"There was a time when Uncle Wole Soyinka cared deeply about Nigeria and Nigerians. He criticized leaders and personalities who seemed anti-Nigerian," Charly Boy said. "As a social engineer myself, he was one of my heroes and I saw him as a mentor. But today, I look at him as a tribalistic bigot and I have lost all respect I once had for him."

Charly Boy reminisced about Soyinka's past sacrifices, including imprisonment and exile, due to his radical activism against military dictators. However, he expressed disappointment in Soyinka's current stance, questioning his loyalty and silence regarding the current government.

"Recently, I’m not sure where his loyalty lies because he has remained mute about this government," Charly Boy remarked. He speculated whether Soyinka's silence was a reward for the recent renaming of the national theatre.

Charly Boy pointed out that during Jonathan's tenure, Soyinka had labeled Jonathan a terrorist and insulted his wife. He also noted Soyinka's recent criticism of Peter Obi, a political figure not currently in power, and his promise not to criticize President Tinubu until a year into his tenure—a deadline that has passed without comment.

Charly Boy's comments highlight a perceived shift in Soyinka's public engagement and criticism of Nigerian leadership, raising questions about his current role and influence in the nation's socio-political landscape.

Video:

To the man I once Loved.
Time to refrain from social commentary.
Time to truly enjoy your retirement.
God blessings in good health.

Watch the full video:https://t.co/iWwlNi6wH3 pic.twitter.com/v3eQPTZtBM

— Charly Boy Area Fada 1 (@AreaFada1) July 20, 2024