Charly Boy is publicly cheering on his daughter Adaeze after her engagement to a woman. Here’s what she posted and why Nigerians are so divided over the news.
When Charly Boy has family news, Nigerians pay attention. And this one has people talking.
The veteran entertainer, whose full name is Charles Oputa, is celebrating his daughter Adaeze’s engagement to her partner, a woman. On Thursday, he posted a video from the ceremony on Instagram and introduced the couple as his “beautiful Princess and her Husband.” His request to followers was simple: “Folks, wish dem well for me.”
Adaeze didn’t leave the big reveal to her dad, though. She shared her own photo with her partner, gave it an excited “we’re engaged” caption, and tagged it #mrsandmrsgray2027. She also wrote, “Forever sounds even sweeter with you.”
If that hashtag is anything to go by, a wedding could be coming in 2027.
As you’d expect, reactions are all over the place. Plenty of people dropped warm congratulations. Others went straight to criticism.
That split makes sense when you remember where this is happening. In Nigeria, same-sex unions are against the law, and the stigma around them is still heavy.
Some people might remember that she had a traditional wedding to Metu Anu in Abuja in February 2018. That marriage later ended in divorce.
Her sister, Dominique, better known as Dewy, is also known to be in a relationship with a woman. Both sisters live outside Nigeria.
Anyone who’s followed Charly Boy, also known as Area Fada, knows he’s never played it safe. For decades, he’s built his public image on speaking his mind and pushing boundaries. He’s talked openly about surviving prostate cancer, his nearly 50-year marriage to his wife, Diane, and even the chatter around his own gender expression.
He has 10 children and 14 grandchildren, and he’s always spoken freely about his family. His views have sometimes put him at odds with more conservative Nigerians too.
So whichever side of the conversation you’re on, one thing is clear. Charly Boy isn’t hiding this moment. He put it on his page and invited everybody to celebrate with him.
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