# Alibaba Akpobome

Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, professionally known as Ali Baba, is a Nigerian stand-up comedian, master of ceremonies and actor.

## Early life

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, Delta State. His father is a retired soldier who served in Lagos.

## Education

He attended Command Secondary School, Ipaja, Lagos State, and Ibru College Agbarha-Otor, Delta State. He attended Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University), Ekpoma and graduated with a degree in Religious Studies & Philosophy.He was neighbour to Pastor Chris Oyakhilome while at school in university.

## Career

After completing his academic degree in 1990, he relocated back to Lagos, to develop his comedy talent he discovered at the university. Originally, he planned to study Law but decided he could be more successful by making people laugh than by defending them.

## Professional career

He began his professional career performing at corporate events, appearing on television shows with Patrick Doyle, Charly Boy, and Danladi Bako, and making cameo appearances on radio shows with Bisi Olatilo, Sani Irabor, and Mani Onumonmu. He also worked with Prince Adedapo Benjamin Adelegan of DP Lekki Limited as executive assistant in 1991.
In 2014, Ali Baba started an annual comedy event called the 1 January concert. Comedians come up to review the events of the previous year and a first-class graduate from the preceding year receives an award.
In 2015, he started an event called Spontaneity; a quarterly event for budding comedians. Notable among the finalists of this competition is Woli Arole at the 2016 edition.
Ali Baba maintains the philosophy that his business is big enough for all who want to make comedy their chosen profession. As such, he supports, mentors, and presents several comedians helping to ensure that standards are maintained, and professionalism encouraged.

## Awards

| Year | Awards | Categories |
| 2001 | Laughter Awards – Baziks Theatre Abuja | Outstanding Performance |
| 2002 | Laughter Incorporated | Immense contribution to the comedy Industry |
| 2003 | Delta State University | Achievers Merit Award |
| 2004 | Pendulum Awards LASU National Association of Physics Student | Icon of Comedy |
| 2004 | 1st Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Icon of Comedy |
| 2005 | National Comedy Award | Comedy Enterprise |
| 2006 | Eric's Entertainment Inc | Recognition of his solid support to young entrepreneurs |
| 2006 | Lagos State University | Award of Excellence |
| 2006 | City People Entertainment | Invaluable contribution to the Entertainment Industry |
| 2007 | RCCG | Enablers Merit Award |
| 2008 | The News | For turning stand-up comedy into a viable business |
| 2008 | Diamond Award for Comedy | For helping the growth & development of the Comedy Industry in Nigeria |
| 2009 | City People Entertainment | Invaluable contribution to the Entertainment Industry |
| 2009 | National Daily Award | Comedian of the decade |
| 2010 | Comedy for Change | In commemoration of his 20 years on stage |

## Recognition

Ali Baba was inducted into the Johnnie Walker 'Striding Man' Society in 2009 which recognizes men who have achieved great strides in their chosen fields and who motivate and encourage others
In 2012, he rang the Year End Closing Bell of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the first Nigerian comedian to do so.
He is a Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps.
In March 2015, Ali Baba was featured on CNN African voices, speaking about his goal to professionalize and gain acceptance for Nigerian comedians.
In April 2018, Ali Baba received the Paul Harris Fellowship by Rotary International for his contribution to the Nigerian Comedy industry

## Personal life

Ali Baba is married to Mary Akpobome.

## Select filmography

* My Guy (1998)
* The Last 3 Digits (2014)
* Head Gone (2014)
* The Wedding Party (2016)
* Alakada (2017)
* Gold Statue (2019) as Mr. Manuel
* The Man for the Job (2022) as Lai