Nigerian entertainer and social activist, Charles Oputa, also known as Charly Boy, has unleashed a blistering attack on Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka, accusing him of being a “tribalistic bigot” for staying mum amid the widespread hardship plaguing Nigeria.
In a video clip posted on his social media handle, Charly Boy recalled how Soyinka led a mass protest against former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012, when he removed fuel subsidies and petrol prices skyrocketed from N87 to N120. Charly Boy wondered why Soyinka, a renowned advocate for social justice, has remained silent in the face of the current economic and political challenges facing Nigeria.
Charly Boy, who has been a vocal critic of the current government, accused Soyinka of losing his touch and abandoning his former radical activism. He questioned whether Soyinka’s recent silence is a reward for his supposed loyalty to the government, citing the renaming of the national theatre as a possible token of appreciation.
The entertainer also brought up several instances where Soyinka has criticized others, including his recent comments on Peter Obi, a former governor who has expressed interest in running for office in 2027. Charly Boy lamented that Soyinka has maintained his silence on Tinubu, a politician who has been in power for several years, despite promising to criticize him only after a year had passed.
Soyinka, known for his outspoken nature, has faced criticism in the past for his perceived hypocrisy and lack of consistency in his social commentary. Charly Boy’s scathing attack has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many Nigerians calling for Soyinka to speak out against the current government’s policies.
The situation has also raised questions about the role of intellectuals and social critics in Nigeria’s political landscape, and whether they should prioritize their loyalty to the government or stand up for the people they claim to represent.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Charly Boy’s criticism of Soyinka has injected a much-needed dose of controversy into the Nigerian social sphere, sparking important conversations about the responsibility of public figures to speak truth to power.
To the man I once Loved.
— Charly Boy Area Fada 1 (@AreaFada1) July 20, 2024
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
