Legendary comedian and father of stand-up comedy in Nigeria,Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome who is famously known as Ali Baba, has come in the defence of his colleague in the Industry, Seyi Law following the backlash he received on social media for putting up a post saying he was divorcing his wife, which later turned out to be a prank…a rough play or expensive joke like Nigerians would say…lol
The whole drama started when Seyi Law in his comical self had put up a post a few days ago on his Instagram page, where he said himself and his wife are filing for a divorce, over reasons he did not give. His post got a major headline from virtually all the mainstream media as Nigerians bought the story, and when it turns out to be that the comedian was only joking, fans were quick to drag him as they were not impressed by it, that he was forced to take down the post. But since Nigerians are not known to forget easily, him taking down the post (which clearly was to promote his show), still, did not stop the backlash from his followers.
Ali Baba seeing all the bashing Seyi Law has been receiving since his prank post, had to step in to share his views about the whole drama and the man behind it all. He put up an old photo of Seyi Law with some touching story about the comedian and how some of us Nigerians behave when it comes to friendship, seeking favours and what have you. He said:
“I followed with keen interest, the way the issue of Seyi Law’s post caught fire. Let me first say, that the post was a bit far stretched. But with the same breath, let me quickly add how disappointed I am at many people who were meaning and bent on crucifying the comedian, for such an expensive joke. Yes. I am disappointed. And that’s putting it mildly.
This young man has been planning shows, burning out on all sides just to be at the top of his game. He has taken his act overseas too. Most often without sponsorship. He is on the verge of another show. 70% of the messages he gets is for free tickets. Because that’s how he pays for the hall, promotion, accommodation, video and photo coverage, honorarium, flight tickets, logistics, sound and lights. All i have listed, all are given to him free. So he has to give everyone free tickets too naaa. OR what can I say? Putting a show together is not beans. And the content generated from such shows don’t make up the shortfall OFF the show profits.
Sometimes one gets lucky to come away with 5m, 2m, 1m or even 200k profit. Depending on what class of entertainer you are. So check this out, Seyi Law has been promoting and promoting. Bloggers, traditional media, Instagram celebs and users, celebrities and even some of his colleagues, ignored his posts and promotions. In frustration, he tries, albeit dicey, a guerrilla promotion, TO SEE IF PEOPLE actually see or notice his posts. BANG!!!! Bloggers picked it. It became a matter of discussion on Instagram, Facebook and whatsapp pages. Interestingly, all those who were calling him to ask what happened, never posted one thing about his show.
They didn’t care if his show flopped. But his marriage is their primary interest. Media houses just proved him right. YOUR CAREER CAN GO UP IN FLAMES, BUT YOUR DIVORCE IS COOL NEWS FOR TRAFFIC. Rubbish!!! In all I don’t blame those who used it to drive traffic to their site. That’s what Vultures do. Thats how one Egbon called me fuming that I didn’t give him tickets for #January1stconcert. Meanwhile, I checked his platforms and not one hype of the show. I asked him. Did you promote the show? He didn’t. So make una go ahead and hang Seyi Law” he said