My dad kept malice with me for 10 years for choosing comedy over law – Alibaba
Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, famously known as Alibaba in the comedy world, recently shared a deeply personal story of a tumultuous period in his life when his father kept a ten-year-long silent treatment due to his decision to pursue a career in comedy rather than law.
Ali Baba was born in Agbarha Otor, Delta State, Nigeria on 24 June 1965, to the royal family of Agbarha Otor. He is the first son of several children and spent his first 8 years in Warri. His father is a retired soldier who served in Lagos.
During an episode of the podcast ‘Honest Bunch’, Alibaba candidly revealed the strained relationship with his father, highlighting his determination to succeed in comedy to prove his father wrong.
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Recalling the pivotal moment when he expressed his career choice to his father, Alibaba recounted, according to Alibaba, his dad is a bookworm. He got his PhD at 86.
“I told him, I said, Daddy, I came from school to tell you something. He said, ‘Okay, have you been rusticated?’ I said, ‘No. I’ve decided that I don’t want to read law. I want to do comedy,” He asked, ‘Comedy like what?’ I said, ‘Like cracking jokes.’ He laughed and asked my younger brother to call my uncle who lived close by. When my uncle came, he asked what the matter was and I said I didn’t want to read law again and that I wanted to do comedy. He said that means I’ve found another father, stressing that I can’t be part of the family and won’t read law. He said all the money my dad spent on me was wasted. He told my dad to handle the situation and left.
“I knew I couldn’t sleep in that house because my dad would beat me. So as my uncle was going out, I followed him to lock the burglary and I didn’t go back in. And my dad and I didn’t talk from 1988 – 1998. Ten years. I tried to reach out to him. I went one time to talk to him but he didn’t want to see me.
“This was the thing. So people ask, ‘Where did you get the inspiration to become a great comedian?’ I was committed. I was like I want to prove him [my Dad] wrong.”
Despite the prolonged discord with his father, Alibaba persisted in pursuing his passion and achieved success as a renowned comedian. The personal journey behind his comedic career, shaped by familial challenges, provides a poignant glimpse into his resilience and unwavering commitment.
In addition, Alibaba has recently disclosed the gracious act of offering accommodation to fellow comedians Basketmouth and AY Makun during their earlier career stages, displaying compassion and support within the comedy community.
Alibaba’s story serves as a testament to his determination and perseverance, transcending personal obstacles to fulfill his aspirations in the comedy industry.