In this era, there are quite a handful of Twitter comedians all notable for their relatable characters and humorous skits; ranging from Taooma, Josh2funny, to Maraji and many more. But there is an argument that hardly can anyone among them be compared with the range displayed by popular entertainer, Lasisi Elenu.
He started off creating passionate rant videos in his car, tagged “Lasisi here again. Something just happened right now” and soon evolved into creating other forms of content such as developed skit making. He created several identifiable characters, including Mama Itohan, Jacuzzi; showing off an incredible dexterity in range. His skits are such that whenever a new one is released, it is sure to make the trending list.
However, one of his latest skits, introducing a new character labelled atomic bomb, drew the attention of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). In the skit, Lasisi parodies ‘Nigerian Lawyers,’ conducting an exaggerated mimicry of their practices in the Nigerian law court.
The Assistant National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, Habeeb Lawal, quoted the tweet and declared it inappropriate and an inaccurate representation of the Nigerian law system. He stated that he was using Lasisi as a point of reference to other comedians and as such if anyone one wants to represent the law profession, they must adorn the right garments in the right manner. He also concluded by saying they had the rights to take steps to restrict such ridicule from taking place again.
Dear @lasisielenu,
We've been tagged!
We beg to use you as a point of reference to all other comedians.
Lawyers have awesome sense of humour, as such we enjoy your jokes & appreciate the creativity.
However, if you must represent our profession in your works… https://t.co/xw3ZZEu0eQ— Habeeb Lawal,Esq (@lawalhab) June 29, 2020
– Assistant National publicity secretary of the Nigerian Bar association speaks on Comedian – Lasisi’s content skit. pic.twitter.com/IzYAZJiFjc
— Postsubman (@Postsubman) June 29, 2020
This drew in lots of reactions from Nigerians as many posited that the lawyer’s statements are the only cause of ridicule for the Nigerian law profession.
But..but.. permit me my lord if i may…I don't want to be too forward in your court but don't you think it's actions like yours, not Lasisi', that actually ridicule the law profession?
It makes people think you guys are jobless. https://t.co/55B51Unfz8— Baldilocks (@Baldilocks__) June 29, 2020
So the Nigerian Bar association are threatening to take legal steps against Lasisi over his various lawyer skits ???
— OSSY ?? (@badniggafela) June 29, 2020
Look at these idiots na for Lasisi body una get power. When Buhari unlawfully retire Judges wetin una talk. Common Get Out! Ijiot! https://t.co/YL2h46HOfI
— da bank chiroma (@chiro_something) June 30, 2020
A member of the NBA called out the retort and labelled it unnecessary, declaring that she hoped Habeeb was not speaking on behalf of the NBA to which he replied, he was.
I hope you are not speaking on behalf of the NBA. Because as an NBA member, I recognise comedy and this unnecessary positioning of yours and trying to police criticism is unbecoming.
— xeenarh ?️? (@xeenarh) June 29, 2020
Lasisi to date had many no comments in reply to the remarks by the lawyer. But Nigerians were in no hurry to forget the incidence.
Lasisi on Tuesday released a new skit with a new traditional Igbo messenger character. Nigerians wittingly quoted the video making a mocking reference to Lawyer Habeeb’s earlier remarks. They exclaimed that Lasisi was not emulating the diabolic profession well because he wasn’t in the right attire and as such, they would be taking diabolical steps to intervene in the matter.
Dear Lasisi, i can’t deny that you’re funny, but if you want to emulate our diabolic profession, kindly adorn the right attire which i. e a long metallic staff that makes annoying sounds, an Oracle laptop and a dead fowl… Failure to do so will attract our diabolical steps. https://t.co/H2gsOsBOhr
— Your Uncle From Kaduna (@Real_jaeflex) June 30, 2020
On behalf of my learned colleagues, I hereby declare you, Lasisi Elenu, a 'social media terrorist' for your unwarranted comical act of terror against members of the noble profession.
You're advised to surrender yourself to the nearest SSS command or Police station. https://t.co/WJRodkFb0p
— Inibehe Effiong (@InibeheEffiong) June 25, 2020
NMA needs to do something about Lasisi. This is a misrepresentation of their native colleagues. He is not properly dressed for the occasion. https://t.co/jXCO3y2kVh
— Legal Tycoon (@Counsel_TAO) June 30, 2020
Most Nigerians have however dismissed the accusations levied against the entertainer, asserting that in a humorous parody, Lasisi cannot be accused of ill representation.
Toluwanimi Onakoya is a spirited writer, creative and videographer. Her biggest drive is to connect with people and depict tales using various forms of media.
Toluwanimi is available on Instagram and Twitter @nimi_onaks
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