The entertainment industry was thrown into a heated debate this week after veteran actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, widely known as Papa Ajasco, publicly lamented his financial struggles. In a viral video that sparked nationwide reactions, the beloved comic actor claimed he has been facing serious hardship despite decades of bringing laughter to Nigerian homes through the iconic TV series Papa Ajasco and Company.
However, Wale Adenuga, the filmmaker and Chief Executive Officer of Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP), has now broken his silence with a detailed response that challenges the actor’s narrative.
What Did Papa Ajasco Say?
In the emotional video that went viral, Ayoyinka opened up about his financial situation, revealing that things have been tough for him for several years. According to the actor, despite his prominent role in one of Nigeria’s longest-running comedy series, he doesn’t own a car or a house. He also complained that he cannot leverage the Papa Ajasco brand to create independent content because the character has been trademarked and registered by Wale Adenuga Productions.
His revelations struck a chord with many Nigerians who expressed sympathy and criticized the entertainment industry for allegedly abandoning veteran actors after years of service.
Wale Adenuga Sets The Record Straight
In a comprehensive statement released on Wednesday, March 18, Adenuga dismissed claims of neglect and described the narrative as “false and misleading.” The media mogul provided extensive details about his professional relationship with Ayoyinka and the operational structure of the production company.
“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 stated, suggesting that the video may have been a calculated move.
Papa Ajasco Was A Civil Servant For Over 30 Years
Adenuga revealed facts that many Nigerians may not know: Abiodun Ayoyinka was a career civil servant with the Lagos State Government for over three decades. He was even the face of the state’s cultural troupe, which brought him close to political heavyweights including then-Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu (now President) and his successors.
“He retired not too long ago. In fact, we used to seek permission from his office anytime we needed him on location,” Adenuga disclosed, raising questions about Ayoyinka’s pension and gratuity benefits.
The Company Has Supported Him Over The Years
Addressing the claim that he has no car, Adenuga stated categorically: “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 described Ayoyinka as a “versatile actor” who bears the closest resemblance to the original Papa Ajasco cartoon character he created back in 1976 during his publishing days. He emphasized that there has been no irreconcilable difference between them and that the actor remains close to him.
Why Can’t Papa Ajasco Use The Character For Personal Business?
One of the major grievances raised by Ayoyinka was his inability to create independent content using the Papa Ajasco character. Adenuga explained that this restriction is necessary for brand protection and intellectual property rights.
“The restriction on the use of the ‘Papa Ajasco’ brand name for personal ventures was necessary to protect its integrity,” he said. However, he clarified that actors are not barred from taking on other jobs, including endorsement deals and advertising contracts.
“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 added.
He pointed out that other cast members such as Pa James, Mama Ajasco, Boy Alinco, Miss Pepeiye, Akpan, and Oduma regularly feature in other productions, proving that the company doesn’t restrict artistes from external engagements.
The Big Question: Where Did His Civil Service Money Go?
Perhaps the most pointed question Adenuga raised was about Ayoyinka’s financial management during his three-decade career as a civil servant.
“Now, the question is: 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?” he asked.
This question has shifted the conversation from corporate neglect to personal financial management, a topic many Nigerians can relate to given the challenges of financial planning in the country.
Industry Standards And Working Conditions
Adenuga also clarified the working arrangement with cast members. According to him, actors typically spend only six weeks annually on set for Papa Ajasco and Company, giving them ample time to pursue other ventures throughout the year.
“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,” he stated firmly.
What This Means For Nigerian Entertainment
This back-and-forth highlights ongoing issues in Nigeria’s entertainment industry: intellectual property rights, actors’ welfare, contract structures, and financial literacy among creatives. While many Nigerians initially sympathized with Papa Ajasco, Adenuga’s detailed response has prompted a more nuanced conversation.
The reality is that many entertainers struggle with financial planning, and retirement preparation remains a challenge across industries in Nigeria. The fact that Ayoyinka was a civil servant with pension benefits adds another dimension to the discussion.
The Takeaway
Wale Adenuga has made it clear that while he respects Ayoyinka’s contribution to the Papa Ajasco brand, the claims of being broke and abandoned are not entirely accurate. He has reaffirmed his company’s commitment to maintaining professional relationships and thanked Nigerians for their concern.
As this story continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder for all creatives and workers to prioritize financial planning, investment, and understanding contractual obligations. It also raises important questions about how we support our entertainment veterans while respecting intellectual property rights.
What do you think? Should Papa Ajasco be allowed to use the character independently, or is Wale Adenuga right to protect the brand? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and other entertainment news across Nigeria.
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