"My exit from Brown Roof wasn’t the bad-blooded fallout that many assumed; it was simply me seeking something new."

Erivic Aedayo, the creator of Afroblot and publisher of the comic book title Jogunomi, has publicly shared his reasons for departing from Brown Roof Studios (BRS), a comic book studio he co-founded in its early years. In a candid five-part reflection, he recounted his journey into the Nigerian comic book space, detailing the challenges that ultimately led to his exit from BRS. His reflections shed light on the complexities often faced in creative co-founding partnerships.

Despite playing a crucial role in shaping the studio—overseeing both administrative duties and creative work—tensions arose within the leadership. "They say it’s hard to manage people, but do you know what’s harder? Managing creative people," Erivic remarked. The pressure to deliver Issue 3 of their flagship comic, Jakuta, along with his struggles to balance his managerial role with his creative responsibilities, were key turning points. "At that point, I couldn’t even draw. I had time to complete the project, but I was no longer looking forward to it," he admitted. The lack of communication and the perceived absence of support from his co-founders deepened his sense of isolation.

Miscommunication and increasing tensions within the studio eventually led to confrontations, with Erivic, for the first time, asserting his role as Managing Director during a heated exchange with a co-founder. While the studio continued to grow, including being accepted by Black Sands Entertainment, the internal rifts became impossible to ignore.

"I pulled the plug after yet another altercation with a co-founder. I was clearly outlining what needed to be done, but he refused to listen. I typed a long message, sent it, and exited the group. Everyone thought I was joking, but I wasn’t. I left for real, and I made it clear I didn’t want anyone to comment on it."

Rather than allow the studio to implode due to unresolved issues, Erivic made the difficult decision to leave. "I prioritised everyone’s interests over my own," he explained, emphasising the importance of continuity and growth over personal ego.

His departure, while shocking to some, prompted others to step up and embrace their roles more fully. Contrary to fears that the studio would collapse after his exit, Brown Roof Studios continued to thrive, validating Erivic’s belief in the studio’s sustainability beyond any one individual.

Though no longer directly involved, Erivic remains closely connected to his former co-founders, continuing to collaborate on various projects, including Comic-Con Ibadan, where he remains an influential figure in the Nigerian comic scene.