Charly Boy Withdraws Respect for Wole Soyinka Over National Theatre Renaming

Veteran singer and social activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has publicly withdrawn his respect for Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka in response to the renaming of the National Arts Theatre in Lagos after Soyinka.

Charly Boy expressed his discontent on social media, stating "I withdraw my respect" for Soyinka following President Bola Tinubu's decision to rename the iconic National Arts Theatre in Soyinka's honor.

The outspoken activist criticized the move, arguing that Soyinka does not deserve such an honor. Charly Boy claimed he is no longer willing to accord respect to the renowned playwright and poet. He did not provide specific reasons for his withdrawal of respect, but his reaction suggests he strongly disagrees with the renaming decision.

The National Arts Theatre, a prominent cultural landmark in Lagos, has now been officially renamed the Wole Soyinka National Arts Theatre following Tinubu's tribute to the 90-year-old literary icon. However, Charly Boy's public rebuke indicates the decision remains controversial and has drawn criticism from at least one prominent Nigerian public figure