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Nigerian film producer, Wale Adenuga has addressed the controversy surrounding claims made by actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known for playing Papa Ajasco.
It would be recalled that the veteran comic actor had stirred reactions after he revealed that he was struggling financially, despite many years of acting, and adding that he seeks permission to use the Papa Ajasco role.
Wale Adenuga reacts
In a detailed statement, the founder of Wale Adenuga Productions dismissed allegations of neglect and financial hardship, describing them as misleading.
Adenuga praised Ayoyinka’s contribution to the success of the Papa Ajasco and Company series, noting that there has been no major fallout between them. He clarified that while the actor is not restricted from taking other jobs, he is required to seek approval before using the Papa Ajasco brand, as it remains copyrighted.
Addressing claims of financial struggle, Adenuga questioned what happened to Ayoyinka’s earnings from his decades-long civil service career and acting engagements, adding that the actor had benefited from several opportunities, including the use of vehicles over the years.
He also emphasized that other cast members continue to work freely outside the show, stating that production typically runs for only a few weeks annually, leaving actors with ample time for other pursuits.
The statement reaffirmed the company’s commitment to fair treatment of its artistes and maintaining its longstanding reputation in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
The statement, shared on their page on X, read …
“WALE ADENUGA MFR, CLEARS THE AIR ON PAPA AJASCO
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.
Abiodun Ayoyinka is a versatile actor who has played the role of Papa Ajasco so wonderfully well. He bears the closest resemblance to the cartoon version of the Papa Ajasco character, which | 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.
Candidly, I want to address the wave of misinformation, emotional commentary, and uninformed public intervention that has followed his recent media interview.
I] am doing this not with malice, but in the interest of truth, transparency, and the integrity of a legacy that has entertained millions of Nigerians for decades.
Abiodun Ayoyinka was a civil servant with the Lagos State Government for over three decades. He was even the face of the state’s cultural troupe, which endeared him to the likes of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his time as governor, as well as his successors. He retired not too long ago. In fact, we used to seek permission from his office anytime we needed him on location.
On the car issue, we once gave him a car – and Pa James as well. He has also used not less than five cars, including a MercedesBenz, at different times. And to the best of my knowledge, he has a house in Ogun State.
He cannot use the copyrighted brand name Papa Ajasco for personal ventures because it is our duty to protect the brand from inappropriate usage that could damage its reputation.
Also, 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.
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?
His colleagues at WAP such as Pa James, Mama Ajasco, Boy Alinco, Miss Pepeiye, Akpan, and Oduma are always on various film locations, working under their personal names. This clearly shows that artistes working with us are not restricted from taking other roles.
To further buttress this, Abiodun Ayoyinka and other artistes in the TV show are on our set for 6 weeks in a whole year, thereby availing them enough time to pursue other endeavors. It is important to note that within the 6 weeks, we record enough episodes to last for a year.
The award-winning Papa Ajasco and Company comedy series still runs on NTA Network, STV Network, WAPTV Network, and others, both on terrestrial and cable platforms, as well as on YouTube: waptvchannel.
Wale Adenuga Productions has remained reputable over the years, maintaining cordial working relationships with artistes and crew members alike.
The organisation pays according to industry standards and ensures all financial obligations are fulfilled as at when due. Therefore, any narrative suggesting financial abandonment or exploitation by our organisation is entirely false and misleading.
We sincerely appreciate the concerns and support from our viewers and the general public.
Signed, Wale Adenuga, MFR Chairman/Executive Producer
Wale Adenuga Productions”
Refer to photos below …
