Charly Boy Opens Up on Mental Health Struggles After Bus Stop Controversy

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

Nigerian entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has spoken candidly about his recent battle with mental health challenges following the renaming drama surrounding his bus stop in Lagos.

The 74-year-old singer and activist disclosed that the controversy, which saw his long-recognised “Charly Boy Bus Stop” renamed to “Baddo Bus Stop,” almost pushed him into depression, prompting him to take an unplanned trip out of the country.

‘Life is a Bitch, Then We Die’

In his usual unfiltered manner, Charly Boy began his emotional revelation with a blunt statement:

“Life is a bitch, then we die,”

He explained that he had to escape Nigeria briefly to clear his head and recharge, hoping the break would help him regain his mental balance.

Escape to Europe, but Peace Still Elusive

According to him, he travelled to Europe to visit his brother, Dr Alban, planning to stay for three weeks. However, the activist confessed that even the change of environment offered little comfort.

“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,” he revealed.

Despite jokingly suggesting that the situation felt like “jazz,” Charly Boy admitted it was a serious mental health matter.

‘Depression Is Real’

The Area Fada, as he is fondly called, used the opportunity to address the stigma surrounding mental health in Nigeria.

“Depression na real matter. I was lucky enough to take a break 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 lamented.

Charly Boy urged Nigerians to normalise conversations about mental health and seek help when necessary instead of bottling up their struggles.

A Message of Hope

He concluded his message with words of encouragement:

“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. My people, here’s wishing you a happier month. It shall be well with us.”

PM News reported that the entertainer’s heartfelt message has sparked reactions across social media, with many commending him for opening up about an issue often shrouded in silence.

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