Veteran Nigerian comedian and media personality, Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, famously known as Alibaba, has come out strongly against what he describes as a growing culture of indecency and lack of professionalism among some Nigerian comedians, especially in corporate entertainment spaces.
Speaking during a candid conversation on the Outside The Box podcast, Alibaba, who is widely regarded as the “King of Nigerian Comedy,” expressed his dismay at the conduct of a few comedians whose actions he believes are damaging the industry’s credibility. The ace entertainer shared personal experiences, including an incident where a comedian he recommended to host a corporate event crossed the line with an inappropriate joke about the company chairman’s plus-sized wife.
“Somebody called me one time to complain about one of them that he made a joke about his plus-size wife. He said, ‘If a race happens now and everyone has to carry their wives and run, you can’t carry this woman and run.’ I was like, that’s below the belt,” Alibaba revealed during the interview.
The event organizer was reportedly so embarrassed that it sparked tension between the comedian and the company’s management. But more frustrating for Alibaba was the comedian’s reaction when confronted—he downplayed the issue and allegedly accused Alibaba of being jealous of his rising success.
“There are about three Nigerian comedians who I can’t stand. They have no decorum. They insult sensibilities. You try to correct them, they won’t listen. And when you do, they say you’re envious,” Alibaba lamented.
Although the comedy legend refused to mention names, he stressed the importance of setting boundaries and exercising emotional intelligence when performing, especially in sensitive, professional, or high-profile settings.
In his remarks, Alibaba emphasized that comedians who wish to succeed in the long term must learn to differentiate between stage freedom and outright rudeness. He advised upcoming talents to invest in writing intelligent material and understand audience dynamics before performing.
“There’s no need to insult people to be funny. The real art of comedy lies in wit, storytelling, and timing. Dirty jokes at weddings or corporate functions don’t only damage your reputation—they also shut future doors,” he said.
He further hinted that the urge for cheap laughs is what pushes some comedians to cross ethical boundaries. In his view, while shock value may generate momentary applause, it often comes at the cost of long-term professional respect.
Alibaba’s observations shine a spotlight on an increasingly controversial issue in Nigeria’s entertainment industry—the quality and decorum of comedic content. With the rise of social media skits and digital comedy, more comedians are gaining platforms, but not all are equipped with the professionalism required to thrive sustainably.
This isn’t the first time the comedy icon has challenged the industry’s direction. He has previously stated that many popular jokes currently in circulation were his original ideas, and he has been vocal about the lack of originality and discipline among some performers.
While Alibaba didn’t name the comedians in question, his remarks have sparked a conversation among fans and stakeholders. Several netizens took to social media to support his call for more responsible comedy. Others believe the industry needs formal mentorship and ethical standards to curb such lapses.
Many insiders agree that Alibaba, having paved the way for the rise of stand-up comedy in Nigeria, holds a moral authority and responsibility to address these issues.