During a recent interview with Teju Babyface, popular Nigerian actor and comedian Ayodeji Makun, also known as AY, revealed that he no longer has any intentions of reconciling with his long-standing industry rival, Basketmouth.
The feud between the two comedians has spanned 17 years and originated from an alleged N30,000 debt owed to AY by Basketmouth, although Basketmouth denies any such debt and asserts that they were never friends to begin with.
AY disclosed that he had made efforts over the years to mend their relationship, but he has now come to terms with the fact that their reconciliation may never happen. He stated that he is willing to go to his grave without reconciling with Basketmouth.
According to AY, their senior colleagues in the comedy industry are aware of his attempts at reconciliation, and they advised him to ease off when Basketmouth showed resistance.
AY shared, “The bros [senior colleagues in the comedy industry] knew [about my beef with Basketmouth] and at some point in time, they had to ask me to slow down. They were like: ‘You’re doing too much. You are putting in too much to make this thing work. Friendship is not by force’.”
He further expressed his change in perspective, stating that he no longer intends to pursue reconciliation actively. AY recounted how he incorporated references to Basketmouth in his stand-up routine in an attempt to bridge the gap, only for the situation to escalate once again.
AY has reached a point of acceptance where he is content with the idea of not reconnecting with Basketmouth, even if it means never exchanging greetings or resolving their differences.