'Prayer request for my father Justice CA Oputa' - Charly Boy | Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog

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Thursday 27 February 2014

'Prayer request for my father Justice CA Oputa' - Charly Boy

Written by Charles Oputa
Ever since I can remember, I have always admired my parents. Even in their old age, I still see them holding hands every day. As a young lad in the early 50s, I saw dad and mum dance a lot, as if they were rehearsing for a dance competition. They argued a lot and laughed a lot, I just couldn't tell anymore when they were quarrelling or playing. There was a lot of love in my family, for a long time, my folks were like two teenagers in love, there was so much kissing between them that I came to accept that as a show of love and wanted to kiss every girl I fancied. They loved to entertain, so we continuously had guest come over. I grew up believing that every day was some ‘kinda’ celebration. Some of the things that molded me were not only my father’s regimental training and how he was always quick with the cane, but his love for my mum also had a great impart on me. This is the setting, the background of love I am coming from, my pedigree, my rich heritage. It is my pride.

All the years I lived with my folks, I rebelled against everything, eating on the table with my family, doing my homework when I should, doing my chores in the house etc. I was a handful and oh, so troublesome. All my siblings wanted to be in my dad's good book, but I was the renegade. For some reason I always got into trouble, and my father would whip the living daylight outta me. I concluded he was wicked, overbearing, hash brash and insensitive. While I was still in elementary school, he would make me memorize all of Shakespeare's work, heavy flogging would follow if I forgot my lines. Oh! The man was obnoxious or so I thought. Kai! Because of him, I hated school till I left to America, he made learning frightening. Every morning we would go to morning mass, you better be ready, I had so much religion that I wanted to be a Priest. As Catholics I went regularly to confessions, catechism, I was even an altar boy.  He reminded me every blessed day of who I am and how I must protect the "OPUTA" name, a good name is better than gold, he would always say.  Our house was like the court room, he was the judge and jury, and I never won a case. I was raised on an overdose of integrity, morality, honesty and to always take responsibility for my fuckups. He ran our home like a military barracks. Na wa. Even though I was such a big rascal, those values became ingrained in my medulla.

When I started molding the character we all know as Charlyboy, he finally blew a fuse. He was scandalized, and he warned me that nobody would understand.  He said I was too outlandish, that I was ‘living’ way before my time, as if I didn't know that from the day I was born. He wanted me to have a respectable job and a secured financial future, but that wasn't to be. That was when I decided I would never live under anyone's shadow, and the main reason I didn't do Law like he would have wanted. For the first 15yrs out of the 32yrs of being Charlyboy we hardly talked to each other. I disliked my father; there was nothing I did that was good enough for him. However I went my own way taking charge of my life and doing my own thing without interference, but ever so determined to succeed. But guess what, the more I got popular, the more I did so many positive things with the youths, the more I was secretly admired and amazingly respected for my tenacity, focus, consistency, enhancing my environment, my never say die attitude and above all my love and service to humanity. Since we made up some 25yrs ago his respect for me has kept rising. The first time my father told me he was proud of me some 25yrs ago I almost fell off my seat; I didn't believe what I was hearing. Oh boy, those were the sweetest words my father said to me, from then I never looked back. Sometimes, noble fathers have noble children. Like I would always ask, can an apple fall too far from its tree?

Over two and a half decades ago I have come to build such an unusual bond with my father. Unusual because it is not often you see male children taking care of their parents the way I take care of my parents. My parents are like my babies, and I love them no be small, also I’m very protective of them and care for them, it is one of my obligations that has continued to make me feel ever so useful. For the past 9yrs my parents have been living with me, I have learned to be patient. My fathers famous quote still remains my best amongst the many I often heard him say, "old age is a disease no doctor can cure". Just so they don't get bored, we regularly plan events for them, we take them to different shows, musicals, comedy shows, cinemas, parks. I even walk my pops some evenings. I guess I am paying restitution for all my sins as a wayward teenager and all the heart aches I caused them (I don’t see it as a task though), Kai! Dem see pepper for my hand sha, because I spoil from belle.

My father taught me respect for self, to be a person of value, from him I learnt how to work and stay devoted to my marriage. It has not been easy but I have managed for 37yrs. Mine won’t be different cause my father has lived with my Mum who is still alive for over 65yrs, wow! He taught me the art of contentment and to always be grateful. Many times I am asked who my real heroes are, or those that inspire me, until 5yrs ago it never dawned on me that besides all the other persons who may have inspired me, like Baba Fela and co,  my dad has always been my number one. When I think of my dad, I am thankful for how his guidance and teachings enriched my life, he molded me well. Thank God.

You can imagine how I felt when he took ill, as he was hit by stroke. I write this piece from his hospital bed, as I sit alone with my father watching over him and praying that he recovers in time so we can still have the kind of intellectual discussion we usually have most evenings in my sitting room, as I sip my coke whilst he drinks his small stout. Please join me in praying for his quick recovery, I know we live to die, but I wish God keeps him just a little bit longer so he does not only see my great grand child in the next 4yrs, making him a centenarian plus I can show him more love. What is the point of all of this? All I’m trying to say is this, no matter what you've done for yourself or for humanity, if you can't look back on having given love and attention to your own family, what have you really accomplished? Think about it.

108 comments:

Anonymous said...

#yawns!
~D great anonymous!

Alloy Chikezie said...

My payers goes to your father Mr charly boy, I am praying for him with all my heart


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Anonymous said...

Charlie baba #bright bravo#

success key said...

oputa panel then, may Almighty God heal you from this illness, charles oputa, dont worry all will be well with you father in jesus name

Anonymous said...

Wow ! Well said mr charlyboy 💯

Na so.com said...

Hmmmmm....... I feel u Charly Boy and I relate to what you are feeling inside. May the Almighty God touch Papa with His hands of healing in Jesus name, Amen!!! Being by his bedside is a very precious moment, some of us did not get such rare opportunities. He shall be well.

God abeg u OO!!

Anonymous said...

Gt well soon Oputa Panel. {Goldie}

Anonymous said...

Your Dad, Justice OPuta is a good Man.I pray the Lord grant him quick recovery.Amen!

BONARIO NNAGS said...

Nice piece my inlaw.
Your writeup made me remember my grandma who just passed on monday. she was my bestfriend and a close confidant. my siblings wondered how we flowed very well notwithstanding the huge age difference.


~BONARIO~says so via NOKIA3310

Anonymous said...

Great Post Uncle Charly, I pray for healing from the Crown of his head to the sole of his feet in Jesus Name.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful piece of article!


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Anonymous said...

May God keep the famous Oputa

Anonymous said...

Cried after reading this. My family is faced with so much right & feel am not giving enuff. Just got of school with no job with two younger brothers in college, a jobless sista too & aged mum

Millypee said...

Charles Oputa! the great writer that never was!!!

Anonymous said...

Na wa oh, this write up brought tears to my eyes. May the good lord keep his dad and restore back his health

Anonymous said...

This is soo touching..God will keep him alive a lil while longer..charlie is a Good son..

Anonymous said...

Touching piece. I love the family and that is one of the best things the African has to offer the world. Love for our parents. Hon. Justice Oputa will not die. Amen. I have always admired Justice Oputa.

Anonymous said...

Awwwww I am so sorry Charly boy.May ur Dad get well soon

Anonymous said...

I wish him quick recovery

Harnikky said...

Wish my mum wasn't dead aniway&my dad would have learned better... Wish ur dad quick recovery in Jesus Name,May d Lord heal him!

Unknown said...

hmmmmm, May God bring him out of that Hospital walking with his two feet. Amen

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with him,u asked for his recovery and God will surely answer u.love ur piece by d way it's so touching and I can relate to it.i love my family,I love my parents and my siblings,don't know wat I would do without dem.God bless and protect everyone.

Unknown said...

His words are so touching...... God bless yu daddy for this wonderfull write up..... And may God heal ur dad.... Amen.....
.
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***CURRENTLY IN JUPITER***

Anonymous said...

Wonderful piece Charlie man! This man never ceases to amaze me. Looks so scattered yet brainy. A case of "don't judge a book by its cover". Truly, an apple can never fall far from its tree. One thing I know is that you can never appreciate your parents enough especially when they have been so good to you. All the beatings, insults and what have you which you hated at the time you were much younger, you grow up to know they were actually for your own good. May God's grace be upon your ailing father and keep him for more years IJN. No matter how old your parents are you always want them around and in good health at that. God bless you and your family and may his will be done in your lives.

Unknown said...

No wonder he so much love's his wife.... the oputas family is one of the greatest family in Nigeria....
.
.
***CURRENTLY IN JUPITER***

Stella Marie said...

Thanks Charley-boy, this is a beautiful piece. May the Lord heal your father speedily. Men like him are hard to find these days.


Unknown said...

wish ur dad a qiuck recovery Amen

Mr Ei Evans said...

It's praying time. And indeed our prayers will be Had. Mr Charley Boi. !


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SimplyTonia said...

Nyce one... May God heal him

Anonymous said...

God's healing hand will rest upon baba Oputa. lovely piece Charly.

JOYCHY said...

Wowwww......what a touching piece

Our prayers are with ur dad. wishing him quick recovery.
Charly Boy is an intelligent man. I respect u man......

Anonymous said...

this is really from the heart ... whats the point of living if you cant love?! may the Almighty grant him speedy recovery. it is well.

Missdodo

Anonymous said...

Idiot.and you'll wonder if you die an early death.

BB omo said...

Nice piece. I have always been a critic of Charly boy but became one of his fans when i started reading his write up. I have learnt so much from him and never tired of reading his writeup. One major lesson i have learnt is never to judge pple until u hear them out. Wishing your dad a speedy recovery.

Amarachukwu. said...

Quick recovery.

Anonymous said...

Wow! What a write up. So inspiring. May God grant him good health.

Waz Igeh said...

Touching piece of articles...wish a quick recovery. He is nt meant to be on that sick bed.

Steve Ibudeh said...

You are the God that healeth me
You are the Lord my Healer
You sent Your word and healed my disease
You are the Lord my Healer

By his stripes,
Justice Oputa is healed.
In the name of Jesus
Amen.

OMG!WOMAN said...

You're lucky he lived long enough for you to pay restitution, you should be beyond grateful, God keep him for many more years as you wish.

Anonymous said...

May God grant ur dad quick recovery in Jesus name

Anonymous said...

Wow.....a touchy write up. May God touch him his healing hand to recover fast in jesus. Name,amen!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

i swear!..........what an artist. ur dad did raise a son!!.lord please give him a speedy recovery.stroke no be beans sha,its a long demanding road to ur premorbid state.its well IJN.dr olaspecial.

Unknown said...

Wow what a touching piece...Charlie u are dman. A dog can nt give birth to a monkey, guess u know what that means. May the almighty father in heaven stretch fort his healing hand on ur dad & make him whole again in Jesus name i pray Amen.

Anonymous said...

May God heal him

Anonymous said...

Well said n so inspiring piece from charley boy,looking at u from a distance one will misjudge u.may God extend his healing hand to your great dad-justice oputa,oputa panel.

Anonymous said...

May God grant Justice Oputa quick recovery. Nice piece charlyboy. Always admire Ūя̲̅ write up. Bravo !!

Anonymous said...

Really a touching piece.....am Wishing Sir Oputa a speedy recovery as God has already answered our prayers.

Unknown said...

This piece actually made my day...May God grant him quick recovery.

Anonymous said...

Nice piece C.boy n I wish ur dad quik recovery wit d most perfect health

Anonymous said...

Charlie I still get papa and mama o. I am always looking at them as if they wont die one day but i know it will happen one day. They are 88 & 76 yrs respectively and am almost 60yrs. I wont be too emotional here all can I tell you is BE PREPARED. I wish him well sha.

Anonymous said...

I wish my Sister sees this, she really doesn't care for our parents or even her siblings. But @ the slightest oppourtunity for errands she remembers she's got family. I just pray she doesn't get to cry "had I know" Uncle Charly,Papa will be fine.

Unknown said...

Wonderful piece, very intelligently written. I love that part "there was so much love in our home ". I pray for ur dads quick recovery in Jesus name! I learnt a lot from this article and in fact all the articles Charley boy has been writing via Linda's blog. I begin to see Charley boy from a completely different perspective and i think i am in love with this one. God bless!

Oyemen. said...

Hmmm true,no matter how rebellious we are,we always come to that point when we actually realise we Truly Love our Parents and they Love Us and show it in ways they think are Best for us.Much more Charlyboy*Smiles* where we go from here (earth) when we die is the most important.GOD will heal him IN JESUS NAME.AMEN.

Anonymous said...

AWWWW!! THATS A LOVING FAMILY AND PARENTS WHO KNOW WHAT LOVE IS!!! GOD WILL HEAL HIM!

Anonymous said...

Amen.Your father was a great legal luminary.one of the greatest justices of all time in Nigeria.May God heal him and take away his pains and if you lose him,may God give your family peace........
His name will always be mentioned and revered in the legend of Nigeria's legal profession

Apple said...

May he get well soon.

@MEETD®EALEVANS™ said...

I say amen to wht u wish for him...

Anonymous said...

Your wish is granted IJN.

sweetie said...

I don't no how to pray for quick recovery. d man is old,he has done is best on earth. Everybody came to dis world wit their destiny, we were destiny to die at one particular age and time. Mr oputa! If it not d time & age u ar destiny to leave dis wicked world I pray 4 healing from above onto u,u shall not suffer on sick bed, if d time has come to rest I pray u make heaven. It d most important prayer 4 u at dis moment. Wat is a profit 4 a man to gain d own world & lose heaven. May GOD forgive all ur sins and welcome u wit his glorious hand in beautiful heaven. I lost my father some years ago, he had terrible sickness,wen it got to some stages we prayed to GOD to take his soul cos d suffering is too much while not knowing dat my father was waiting 4 his pastors to giv him last prayer. Few mints after d pray he gave up. Deep down my hearth I knew he make heaven. Wen ever tink about d pains he went tru on sick bed I feel sad at d same time also put smile on my face cos his in d right hand of GOD. I love u so much dad,continue to rest in peace

Igor said...

Charley I dey beef you.Imagine having your father alive at this age. This is feat that every child would have loved his father to attain.When I was working at the justice ministry in Owerri,I used to live in the BQ of the house your Dad's residence when he was still a high court judge. Your dads cook always told us what a wonderful man that he was.He even showed us the guest house, that served as your studio.I pray for your dad's quick recovery.

Anonymous said...

My Lord, Honourable Justice Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa. An epitome of intelligence and sound reasoning. May God grant you healing.

Unknown said...

Lord pls grant him quick recovery.

Lucy said...

God will heal him, his healing will come speedily in Jesus name.

Anonymous said...

May the Almighty God stretch out His healing hands and touch Justice Oputa. I will always remember him in my prayers.

O taiwo said...

Death is an inevitable end to every human being in this sinful world but i pray it wouldnt come now to the great jurist.

evalsam said...

Get well soon sir!

Anonymous said...

Charly boy wish your dad a healthy recovery from stroke.

Anonymous said...

Death is an inevitable end to every human being in this sinful world but i pray it wouldnt come now to the great jurist.

Anonymous said...

Death is an inevitable end to every human being in this sinful world but i pray it wouldnt come now to the great jurist.

Anonymous said...

Nice story,I hav a similar escapade with my dad,we re two different people.he is careful nd doesn't experiment,am carefree.live ur life d way u want,fear God nd do ur best to be good buh never let anoda man run ur life.

U Ar Not Alone said...

Justice, You are healed in Jesus name. Amen..

Unknown said...

God is ur strength mydear. U̶̲̥̅̊ shall overcome

Anonymous said...

My prayer goes out to ur dad,may he recover quickly in Jesus name,I lost my dad wit me ND my siblings in school with a physically challenged mum,his family did NT give a dime to us instead they refused to sign the documents to get his entitlements from his office......

Anonymous said...

Is he born again?if he is then u don't have to worry even if he dies heaven is sure

dj's wife said...

Nice one....may he be healed in Jesus name

dj's wife said...

Nice one....may he be healed in Jesus name

Anonymous said...

Very touching words. Praying for your Father, Mr Charly Boy. May the Lord bless your family

Lord Denning said...

Indeed in a country in need of heroes don't look any further , the Hon. Justice Oputa is Star among d heroes. Together with folks like d late Justices Timothy Aguda , Kayode Eso, Nnamani & Mohammed Bello, they stood for d RIGHTS OF D OPPRESSED. Its not for fun their era on d bench was refered to as Golden.

Anonymous said...

true talk my oga.

mine said...

To say that I am touched by this write up is an understatement. I have always viewed Charley as an eccentric and could not really understand his convictions. But I respect his desire to be whom he wanted to b without interfering wt odas. This piece has blown my my mind and I doff my cap for u. If many men had ur mindset about marriage the world will be a better place. I share ur sentiments about or dad but I must tell u this there will b a time to let go. However since u want it to be after ur great grand child I will join u in that prayer. Prepare for the day u will commit him as painful as it may be becos it will b a day of jubilation. Ur dad left his mark on the sands of time and will never be forgotten. For the sake of ur earnest prayer I wish him a miraculous recovery.

Anonymous said...

May God heal your dad Charly boy. They don't make men like Justice Oputa anymore. God bless your family.

Anonymous said...

May the Almighty God heal justice oputa and my Mom,may she live to see my children and great grandchildren in jesus name. Amen!

Unknown said...

I say a big amen to that. Nice. Write up.


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Unknown said...

GÈT wELL SOON SIR

Akpo'Diddie Patricia Uyeh said...

I pray God grants Charly boy's father quick recovery...#very touching and inspiring story

uk.kofo said...

I pray for ur dad quick recovery for him to read this wonderful piece u wrote. He will surely die wt a smile on his face. Proud dad thing. am jealous of u sha both parents still alive at ur age. As young as I am I ve lost both. God is good.#Tears rolling down my face#

Anonymous said...

Ogbuagu, my God would place his healing hands on you. The prayers of all the Oguta people you have helped in one way or the other will be heard. Wishing you speedy recovery in Jesus name AMEN

Unknown said...

Omg cnt believe am crying . God give his dad more yrs pls

TBELLZ said...

The reading culture the eminent Justice of the supreme court (retired) 'forcefully imbibed in you at such an early age despite your constant revolting is quite evident. A wonderfully captivating write up. All the emotions he felt were so succinctly and effortlessly brought to the fore. I felt it. I join you in your prayers and will remember you in mine. Soonest recovery to one of the brightest legal minds of this generation.

Unknown said...

May d good Lord strengthen u IJN. So what's d next fn u wanna do? How does 1 contact u?
God pls heal Mr Oputa, heal d sick,heal our land

estee said...

Teebelz ,I love the way u write. Always so matured. Officially crushing on u. Bb tongue out. Lol

Blazing said...

...And my love n respect for Charlyboy keeps increasing. I wish he would just write a book. He has a brilliant mind. May God heal ur father

Anonymous said...

GET WELL SOON DADDY OPUTA IJMN. AMEN!

pd said...

Beautiful piece!May God heal Justice Oputa...

Unknown said...

I have never read anything so long in a blog before but this piece,just kept me going n I didn't want to stop reading.God bless you sir and heal your Daddy.

Anonymous said...

This is real and very touching. God's will be done in his in Jesus Name

Anonymous said...

Kudos Mr Charles Oputa! My God grant ur father healing. Amen

mike said...

You're an idiot to make such an insensitive remark. Baggar!

Anonymous said...

It is already a done deal.He will recover and live up to the age you want.

Barry9ice said...

Kudos Mr Oputa junior, nice write up, i am moved by d last 5 lines, may d healing hand of almighty God rest upon him

Anonymous said...

Healing is the children's bread....may the good lord heal ur dad IJN

Anonymous said...

Healing is the children's bread....may the good lord heal ur dad IJN

Unknown said...

Get well soon great man. Nice piece you ve' got here Mr Charles.

Anonymous said...

This is so touching. I pray the lord heals your dad in Jesus Name and extend his years on earth a bit longer. i love this article and infact all the ones i'v read so far.

AnnMarie said...

my prayers are with yoy

AnnMarie said...

my prayers are with you

Anonymous said...

Milly Pee - February 27 2014 @ 3.07 PM - STAND CORRECTED FOR CHARLES OPUTA IS HE GREAT WRITER THAT IS.

LEARN TO APPRECIATE AND BE GRACIOUS TO PEOPLE MILLY!!

INGRATITUDE IS WORSE THAN WITCHCRAFT

ebonyz... said...

May God heal him in Jesus name

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