Ayodeji Richard Makun (; born 19 August 1971), professionally known as A.Y, is a Nigerian actor, comedian, radio and television presenter and film director. He is the host of the A.Y live shows and A.Y comedy skits. His debut movie, 30 Days in Atlanta was produced by him and directed by Robert O. Peters. In addition, Makun was appointed a U.N Peace Ambassador in 2009 and is the CEO of Corporate World Entertainment, Nigeria.
Early life and education Makun was born on 19 August 1971 and hails from Ifon, in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State. He is the eldest male child in a family of seven. Makun received his education at Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria, and graduated with a degree in theatre arts in 2003, after nine years of study. While a student, Makun was awarded the Jaycee Club Socio-Personality Award, Best Show Business Promoter (2001), Most Celebrated Student on Campus (2001), and Most Fashionable Student on Campus (1999 and 2000).
Career Makun came into the spotlight while working as Alibaba Akporobome's personal assistant and event manager. He wrote "A.Y wire" as a guest columnist in The Sun (Nigeria) and Gbenga Adeyinka's Laugh Mattaz.
Makun directs and acts in the Nigerian sitcom AY's Crib alongside Alex Ekubo, Venita Akpofure, Buchi Franklin, and Justice Nuagbe. He also hosts comedy shows such as AY Live, which features comedians like Bovi, Helen Paul, and many others. Makun is the CEO of Corporate World entertainment, Nigeria, and also owns a clubhouse. As an investor in stand-up comedy, he launched the AY "Open Mic Challenge," a platform designed to support and showcase emerging comedians.
Events Makun co-hosted the 2018 Golden Movie Awards Africa with Joselyn Dumas, held at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Ghana.
Personal life Makun married his wife, Mabel, in November 2008, and they have two children.
In April 2024, Makun publicly announced the marital separation and subsequent divorce from his wife of 20 years, Mabel Makun, stating that he had lost a 20-year friendship and marriage. Following the dissolution of his marriage, Makun disclosed in an interview that he stopped attending church services because he found church congregations judgmental and unsupportive toward individuals experiencing marital breakdown. He later addressed public speculation regarding his marital status, clarifying in August 2025 that he was not seeking reconciliation with his ex-wife and emphasizing that both parties had moved on independently.
Awards timeline
2008 Comedian of the Year: Diamond Awards for Comedy Comedian of the Year: Teens Favorite Comedian of the Year: MBG Abuja Merit Awards Comedian of the Year: National Daily Awards Comedian of the Year: Arsenal Award for Excellence Comedian of the Year: Mode Men of the Year Awards
2009 U.N Peace Ambassador.
2010 Comedian of the Year: Nigerian Entertainment AwardsNigeria Entertainment Awards
2013 Most Creative Entrepreneur of the Year, (comedy category): Creative Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (CEAN) Best Event (A.Y Live): NELAS Awards 2018, United Kingdom
Filmography Year Title Role Notes 2014 Being Mrs Elliot Ishawuru with Omoni Oboli, Sylvia Oluchi and Majid Michel 2014 30 Days in Atlanta Akpors with Ramsey Nouah, Lynn Whitfield, Karlie Redd and Richard Mofe Damijo 2016 A Trip to Jamaica Akpos also starring Funke Akindele, Eric Roberts, Dan Davies, Chris Attoh 2016 The Wedding Party MC also starring Adesua Etomi, Sola Sobowale, Banky W and Richard Mofe Damijo2016 10 Days in Sun CityAkposalso starring Adesua Etomi, Mercy Johnson, Richard Mofe Damijo, Falz 2017 American Driver Ayo Makun also starring Evan King, Jim Iyke, Anita Chris, Nse Ikpe Etim, Nadia Buari, Emma Nyra, Johnny Dewan, Laura Heuston, McPc the Comedian, Michael Tula, Andie Raven2017 The Accidental SpyJohnalso starring Ramsey Nouah Christine Allado2017The Wedding Party 2MCalso starring Adesua Etomi, Sola Sobowale, Banky W and Richard Mofe Damijo2018Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons Ayo Abioritsegbemialso starring Jim Iyke, Ramsey Nouah, Falz and Richard Mofe Damijo2019Merry Men 2 Amajualso starring, Jim Iyke, Ramsey Nouah, Falz and Damilola Adegbite2002Rattlesnake: The Ahanna StoryTimi Phillipswith Ramsey Nouah, Stan Nze, Bucci Franklin2021Christmas in Miami Akposalso starring, Richard Mofe Damijo, Osita Iheme, Desiree Farnum, Manoj Chandra, Tanya Price, and Kent Morita2022AlmajiriOloyewith Alexx Ekubo, Asabe Madaki2023Merry Men 3: NemesisAmajuwith Fred Amata, Segun Arinze2024Mr Patrick Wahala in AmericaProphetwith Chinedu Daniel Acapella, Farheen Barey, Eugene Bernard
See also List of Yoruba people List of Nigerian comedians
References