Last week, precisely on Wednesday June 24, 2015, respected comedian, Atunyota Alleluya Akporobomere, popularly known as Ali Baba clocked 50 years and as expected, the celebration did not go without some celebration and tribute.
The weeklong festivity kicked off on Sunday, June 21, 2015 with a special edition of his Ali Baba’s Spontaneity show, which held at Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos. This was followed by a courtesy visit to a Secondary School in Lagos on Monday, June 22 where he donated books and even read to the delight of the students. On Tuesday, the grand comedian visited a home for the elderly in Lagos where he again made donation and cracked jokes with the residents of the home.
Some of Ali’s friends, family and protégées gathered at his Lekki residence on Wednesday, June 22 for the birthday celebration. The 12-hour event had guests sing, pray and rejoice with the celebrant and his family.
The activities continued on Friday with a surprise BRT ride in the morning and a gyration party at Freedom Park in the evening. Notable guests present at the party include Joke Silva, Olu Jacobs, Bisi Olatilo, Mozez Praiz, Victor Olaotan all of who happily shared their fond memories with the comedian.
The line up of activity came to an end with a novelty match between ex-international Super Eagles players and a few popular comedians/personalities including Buchi, Alibaba, Okey Bakassi, Acapella, Funyprince, Lafup, Omobaba, Jafextra, Sensei Uche and others.
Present at the match was Nigerian Breweries’ latest offering Star Radler, which was not only widely consumed by guests but also positively reviewed. The drink, which comes in a colourful package, is an exciting mixture of the popular Star beer and citrus juice with an alcohol content of 2% vol.
Ali, popularly referred to as the King of Nigerian comedy was born in Warri, Delta State. He is a graduate of Religious Studies & Philosophy at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
He relocated to Lagos, having discovered his comic talent and funny bone in his 3rd Year in University. He had planned to return to Ekpoma to read Law but that was not to be, since he discovered he could make more money from making people laugh than defending them.
