In a surprising and heartfelt reunion, Nigerian comedy icons Ayodeji Richard Makun, popularly known as AY, and Bright Okpocha, aka Basketmouth, sat down on AY’s show Glasshouse with AY to openly discuss their 18-year-long feud. Their conflict, which began over a modest sum of N30,000, has been a well-known story in Nigeria’s entertainment scene, shaping alliances and causing tensions over the years.
The conversation kicked off with AY playfully but earnestly bringing up the initial dispute over the N30,000, the catalyst for the rift. Basketmouth responded by stating that he had actually paid the amount through a third party, adding an unexpected angle to the story. The two comedians reflected on how the conflict gradually escalated, with AY sharing that colleagues inadvertently fanned the flames, turning what started as a small misunderstanding into a substantial divide.
AY also highlighted the impact their rift had on rising talents. He showed a clip of Salvador, a protégé of Basketmouth, who shared how he missed out on opportunities with AY’s audience due to the ongoing tension. This reflection revealed the unintended consequences of their dispute, affecting not just them but others in the industry.
Basketmouth later lightheartedly pointed out the irony that now that they’re reconciling, those who chose sides might feel out of place. He underscored a valuable lesson: no one benefits when people involve themselves in personal disputes that don’t truly concern them.
This emotional sit-down represents a turning point, hopefully signaling a new chapter in Nigerian comedy and an end to one of the industry’s most notable rivalries.