The Nigerian entertainment industry has been buzzing after veteran filmmaker and CEO of Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP), Wale Adenuga, responded to viral claims made by actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known as Papa Ajasco, about facing severe financial difficulties.
In a widely circulated video, Ayoyinka had lamented his financial struggles despite his iconic role in the long-running television series Papa Ajasco and Company. The beloved actor claimed he owns neither a car nor a house and expressed frustration over not being able to monetize the Papa Ajasco brand independently, as the character is registered under Wale Adenuga Productions.
His revelations sparked widespread sympathy and outrage on social media, with many Nigerians questioning how such a household name could be broke. However, Wale Adenuga has now set the record straight.
“I Am Happy for His Social Media Strategy”
In a detailed statement released on Wednesday, March 18, Adenuga acknowledged watching the trending video but maintained a diplomatic tone, suggesting Ayoyinka’s public outcry was a clever publicity move.
“My first impression when I watched the Papa Ajasco video now trending on the internet and local TV channels was: ‘Okay, so this guy has taken Papa Ajasco comedy into the public space!’ It is all well and good. I am happy for him, as his money-making strategy using social media has apparently worked for him,” Adenuga said.
However, he quickly pivoted to address what he described as “misinformation, emotional commentary, and uninformed public intervention” that followed the actor’s interview.
Setting the Record Straight
Adenuga painted a different picture of Papa Ajasco’s financial situation and professional relationship with WAP. According to the veteran producer, Ayoyinka was a civil servant with the Lagos State Government for over three decades and only recently retired. During his years of service, he was even the face of the state’s cultural troupe and had relationships with political figures, including former Lagos State Governor and current President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“He bears the closest resemblance to the cartoon version of the Papa Ajasco character, which I created on my dining table in 1976 during my publishing days. He is very close to me, and so far, there has been no irreconcilable difference between us,” Adenuga emphasized.
The Car and House Controversy
On the claim of not owning a car, Adenuga stated unequivocally: “We once gave him a car — and Pa James as well. He has also used at least five cars, including a Mercedes-Benz, at different times. And to the best of my knowledge, he has a house in Ogun State.”
The filmmaker also questioned the actor’s financial narrative, asking pointedly: “Why is Abiodun Ayoyinka claiming to be broke? Where are the investments from his over 30 years of meritorious service with the Lagos State Government? What happened to his gratuities?”
Brand Protection, Not Restriction
Adenuga addressed concerns about actors being barred from using the Papa Ajasco brand for personal ventures. He explained that the restriction exists to protect the brand’s integrity, which has entertained millions of Nigerians for decades.
“He has not been barred from accepting advert jobs. As he himself stated, all that is required is to seek official approval from WAP. This is part of brand protection,” Adenuga clarified.
He pointed out that other cast members like Pa James, Mama Ajasco, Boy Alinco, Miss Pepeiye, Akpan, and Oduma regularly appear in other productions, proving that WAP does not restrict its actors from taking on external work.
Additionally, Adenuga revealed that actors typically spend only six weeks annually on set, leaving ample time for other income-generating activities.
Fair Compensation and Industry Standards
Dismissing claims of financial neglect, Adenuga asserted: “The organisation pays according to industry standards and ensures all financial obligations are fulfilled as and when due. Therefore, any narrative suggesting financial abandonment or exploitation by our organisation is entirely false and misleading.”
What This Means for the Industry
This public back-and-forth highlights ongoing tensions in Nollywood regarding intellectual property rights, actor compensation, and the balance between creative control and financial freedom. While Wale Adenuga Productions created and owns the Papa Ajasco brand, questions remain about how actors who bring beloved characters to life can also benefit financially beyond their salaries.
For many Nigerians who grew up watching Papa Ajasco and Company, the controversy is both disappointing and revealing. It sheds light on the complex business arrangements behind the entertainment that shaped our childhoods.
As this story continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the conversation about fair compensation and brand ownership in Nigerian entertainment is far from over.
What are your thoughts on this matter? Should actors have more rights to characters they portray? Share your views in the comments below.
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