Charly Boy Backs VeryDarkMan in Feud With Sowore, Alleges Ford Dispute
Lagos, April 16, 2026_
Veteran entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has waded into the public feud between social media personality VeryDarkMan and publisher Omoyele Sowore.
In a statement addressed to VeryDarkMan, real name Martins Vincent Otse, Charly Boy threw weight behind the influencer and wrote: “Well Done my son, Very Dark Man. All you said was nothing but the truth. Very well researched.”
He added: “This is why I don’t like the word, ‘activists’ because I know many of dem dey use am as business.”
Charly Boy then referenced a past dispute involving funding: “VDM, u forget to mention the horrible campaign dey carried out on me. Deji, Sowere and co because I refused to bring the money Ford Foundation gave my Foundation for a campaign. Dey wanted me to bring out the money to share to dem, Sowere was the ring leader. My first encounter with real betrayal.”
He concluded: “VDM my son, I pray you remain consistent in ur pursuit of a better Nigeria. God bless.”
Charly Boy did not provide dates or documentation regarding the alleged Ford Foundation grant or campaign in his statement. “Deji” was not further identified in the post.
The dispute between VeryDarkMan and Sowore has played out on social media over the past week, with both parties exchanging accusations. Omoyele Sowore, founder of Sahara Reporters, has not publicly responded to Charly Boy’s allegations as of press time.
The Ford Foundation has not commented on the claims made in Charly Boy’s statement.
Editorial Note:
This report relays statements made by Charles Oputa on social media. Allegations regarding Ford Foundation funds and related disputes have not been independently verified at the time of publication.