Following 18 years of discord, Nigerian comedy icons Ayo Makun, famously known as AY Comedian, and Bright Okpocha, known as Basketmouth, have finally reconciled.
Sources close to both comedians suggested that recent personal challenges may have contributed to their decision to let bygones be bygones.
Both AY and Basketmouth have endured difficult times in their personal lives, including the end of their marriages, which reportedly gave each of them a new perspective on resolving old grudges.
A source told R on Friday that both comedians have grown tremendously in their careers and have taken on bigger projects. Despite the personal losses they’ve faced in recent years, they now share a vision for what could be achieved together—a vision that can only be realised through collaboration, not conflict.
“I am certain that the reconciliation moves began more than a year ago, it was just a matter of time before things are revealed to the public. They have both become big brands and there is the need to collaborate and bury their differences for these things to come to life”, the source said.
Basketmouth was the first to experience marital challenges, separating from his wife in 2022. This event was followed by AY’s own marital turmoil, when his wife Mabel decided to end their marriage after years together and two children. Friends close to the pair hinted that these personal struggles served as a wake-up call, prompting them to reevaluate past conflicts and ultimately pursue reconciliation.
In a surprising post on Instagram, AY shared a video of himself and Basketmouth in a candid conversation on The Glass House, his talk show, capturing a moment fans had long awaited. The post, which showed the comedians laughing and reminiscing, sparked a wave of jubilation from fans and fellow entertainers alike, who had watched the feud unfold over nearly two decades. The reunion seemed especially remarkable given Basketmouth’s earlier assertion that he would “never forgive” AY, marking the depth of their longstanding disagreements.
The reconciliation drew attention from industry figures like popular blogger Stella Dimoko Korkus, who humorously praised AY for his many roles in entertainment, writing, “@aycomedian only you be actor, only you be comedian, only you be MC, now only you don turn journalist dey do interview? Hahahaha… You and @basketmouth don try for this una work… I like as una two settle so cos nothing dey there. So proud of you both.”
Other fans mirrored her sentiments, with reggypanache calling the truce a milestone of “maturity” and wisdom_john.official remarking on the “therapeutic” effect of their reunion, stating, “Nothing is stronger than Peace and Restored Love.” godfreytimothylive celebrated their status as “Legends of Comedy,” and noted that the conversation could have lasted longer given the history between them, showing fans’ continued fascination with their journey.
In sharing the post, AY expressed a deep sense of relief, inviting followers to witness their transformative conversation. He wrote, “After 18 years of incessant misunderstandings, join me and @Basketmouth on my Glass House podcast for an unforgettable conversation! Tune in as we share stories, laughs, and insights on our new realities.”
For Basketmouth, who once said he would never forgive AY, this change of heart demonstrates significant personal growth and resilience, especially in light of the challenges both men have faced in recent years. Fans have hailed his decision to let go of the past as a moment of maturity, with many expressing hope that their newfound unity will bring exciting collaborations to Nigerian comedy.
As social media continues to buzz with praise, the entertainment world looks forward to what AY and Basketmouth might create together now that peace has been restored.
READ ALSO: Massive turnout as Ayedatiwa/Adelami campaign hits Ondo West
