Anger at Nigerian gay rape comedy skit

A “comedy” video skit about a gay man being raped with a large vegetable has gone viral in Nigeria.

The video, created by Nigerian comedian Ogusbaba, shows a clownish gay man – played by Ogusbaba himself – in his bedroom trying to convince a friend to have sex with him.

The friend at first plays along but then calls two other large and imposing men into the room.

They then threaten to penetrate the terrified gay man with a series of fruits and vegetable. The men ultimately settle on what appears to be a large yam, lubricated with olive oil, to rape him as the picture fades to black.

The video is presented as a humorous skit, but ultimately suggests that threatening, mocking and even raping a gay man can be condoned.

The clip, titled Lekki Gay, has been created in a country which has some of the most repressive anti-LGBT legislation in the world.

Same-sex marriages and relationships are illegal and can be punished with 14 years in prison. There is also a 10 year jail sentence for public displays of same-sex affection and for membership of LGBT groups. Anyone found guilty of engaging in homosexual acts can also be jailed for 14 years.

The video was first uploaded to Ogusbaba’s YouTube channel in November but went viral after it was reposted on the Gossip Mill Nigeria Facebook page last week. It has now been viewed almost 400,000 times.

The over 600 comments on the clip range from homophobic hilarity and abuse to outrage and disgust. One man, Arinze Peters, said that the video reminded him “of the gay that collected massive deliverance in 2009 via General beating in our compound”, complete with a series of laughing emojis.

Ola Badejok, however, said: “I dont think its funny. Homophobia is not just funny. Intimidating a guy because he is gay. You are the same people who will complain when there is a comedy clip about 3 white guys Intimidating a black man. Live and let live.”

As is often the case, many of the commentators took the opportunity to condemn gay people as evil, immoral, sick and un-African.

Last week, the group TIERS (The Initiative for Equal Rights) reported 152 violations of human rights affecting 232 LGBTI Nigerians in 2016.

The incidents, most perpetrated by members of the public, included blackmail and extortion, death threats, assaults, evictions, kidnappings, arrests, mob attacks, attempted rape and wrongful dismissal.

On his Facebook page, Ogusbaba is described as a “comedian, presenter and show promoter”. According to his YouTube channel, he will embark on a tour of America and Europe this year. Watch the video below.