Legendary stand-up comedian Atunyota Akpobome, widely known as Ali Baba, recently opened up about the unexpected journey that led him to father triplets at the age of 59.
In a candid discussion on the Leadership Podcast, Ali Baba revealed that the couple’s initial plan was simply to have one more son.
His wife, Mary, had long desired another son, especially after their children moved abroad for their studies. While they initially considered adoption, they eventually opted to try for a biological child through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Ali Baba recounted the heartfelt conversation with his wife: “Madam had always wanted to have a son. She had two daughters, and we talked about it.” He expressed his hesitations about the responsibilities of parenthood at their stage in life, saying, “I didn’t want to be having school runs, joining Wizkid, and attending PTA meetings.”
Despite his concerns about the economy, Mary insisted they pursue having their own child. She argued, “The reason why God put you in this position might be more than taking care of yourself.” They decided to fertilize two eggs, anticipating that at least one would result in a pregnancy.
To his surprise, one of the eggs split into two, resulting in three boys. “When it became three, she and the doctor knew but didn’t want to tell me,” he laughed, recalling their playful analogy: “Sometimes when we ask God for one million, He gives you two million.”
Now a proud father of three boys, Ali Baba’s story is a testament to the unexpected joys of parenthood, even later in life.
