Nigerian musician and outspoken activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy or AreaFada, has weighed in on the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, declaring it the beginning of accountability for those he believes contributed to Nigeria’s decline.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, Charly Boy expressed his views candidly, noting that Buhari’s passing in a foreign country — far removed from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians — symbolized the disconnect between Nigerian leaders and the people they governed.
“One down, many to go,” Charly Boy wrote, referencing a pattern of celebration that often follows the fall of authoritarian leaders. He recalled a similar reaction in the country when former military ruler General Sani Abacha died in 1998.
“I remember when Abacha died, there was dancing in the streets,” he said. “Anytime a tyrant dies, there is always jubilation. People are happy that their tormentor who almost looked invincible has kpaied.”
The activist did not mince words as he accused past and present leaders of abandoning the country’s healthcare and infrastructure, only to seek refuge abroad when their health fails or consequences catch up.
“Some of the ruiners of Nigeria run to foreign land to die. Not in the hospitals they left to rot. Not among the people they claimed to serve. But in the comfort of a foreign land far from the chaos they created,” he stated.
He continued with a sharp reflection on justice and consequence:
“You see life? It has receipts. This is how they will be leaving one by one. The wicked, the heartless, the greedy who sold a nation and thought they’d escape judgment.”
Charly Boy concluded his message with a clear warning to those in power:
“Let them fly to London, but you can’t fly from truth. Let this be a warning to the rest of them: The people may be quiet, but karma is not sleeping. We the citizens of Nigeria have the last word.”
His post has since sparked debate online. Some Nigerians praised him for speaking truth to power, while others criticized the timing and tone of his comments, calling for a more compassionate approach during a time of national mourning.
Muhammadu Buhari, a former military ruler turned civilian president, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a London hospital after a prolonged illness. His two-term presidency, beginning in 2015, was marked by mixed reactions—some lauding his anti-corruption agenda, while others pointed to worsening insecurity and economic hardship.
Charly Boy, long known for his unfiltered views and political activism, has once again positioned himself as a vocal critic of Nigeria’s leadership, demanding accountability and justice for the people.
