Veteran comedian and respected voice in Nigerian pop culture, Atunyota Akpobome, famously known as Ali Baba, has ignited a firestorm with his latest social commentary—this time, taking aim at a certain kind of social media sanctimony.
In a no-holds-barred video posted to his Instagram, Ali Baba peeled back the curtain on what he calls the “double lives” of some women who are quick to shame others online, yet quietly carry their own past baggage. According to the comedian, many of these women—now seemingly upstanding and vocal critics—once engaged in clandestine affairs with powerful men, including both military and civilian governors, in exchange for luxury properties in Lagos’ high-end areas like Banana Island and Victoria Garden City.
“Some of these ladies, if their husbands knew what I know, those marriages wouldn’t last a day,” he said, his tone laced with frustration and disbelief.
Ali Baba didn’t stop at broad observations. He recalled a particularly awkward encounter that exposed the very behavior he criticizes. While visiting a governor’s residence, he said he was stunned to see a friend’s wife slipping out of a hidden part of the premises. “You’d think people like this would stay quiet, but they’re the loudest online, judging others,” he added.
His message was clear: society needs a dose of introspection and authenticity. He challenged the moral double standards prevalent in public discourse, especially on social media, where facades often replace truth and people in glass houses throw the loudest stones.
“Don’t rewrite your past and wear a halo. You can’t pretend to be the judge when you’ve played the game in secret,” he warned.
Ali Baba’s candid callout has struck a chord with many, sparking conversations about moral consistency, online judgment culture, and the hypocrisy that festers behind polished public personas. Whether lauded or criticized, one thing is certain: he’s not afraid to speak truth to the shadows.
