Nigerian comedian and actor, Atunyota Akpobome, popularly known as Ali Baba, has sparked discussion online after sharing his perspective on polygamy and its link to Nigeria’s economic system.
Speaking during an episode of The Clarity Zone podcast, the veteran comic explained that polygamous homes tend to run more smoothly when wives live separately. According to him, this arrangement often helps maintain peace and reduces conflict among co-wives.
“It’s easier to marry women who don’t live in your house with you. Those ones don’t come to disturb the Iyale,” he said.
Ali Baba went on to illustrate his point with a story about a wealthy man with four wives, only one of whom was financially independent. The man reportedly depended on the earnings of the working wife to support the others, a balance that eventually collapsed when she withdrew her financial support, leading to chaos in the household.
The comedian then likened the situation to Nigeria’s current economic structure, particularly the nation’s reliance on oil-producing regions.
“That’s what’s happening to Nigeria now. The Niger Delta is the one bringing the money, and when they ask for development, you say it must be shared equally. That’s why there’s tension,” he explained.
Ali Baba concluded by stressing the need for equity and balance, both in marriage and in governance.
“If you decide to marry more than one wife, you must treat everyone equally,” he said.
The comedian’s remarks have since generated conversations on social media about resource control, gender roles, and fairness in relationships.
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