Actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, known for playing the character Papa Ajasco in the television comedy series Papa Ajasco & Company, has spoken about the financial and career challenges he has faced over the years.
Abiodun said the character that made him popular has been trademarked by the producers of the show, making it difficult for him to use it for commercial opportunities outside the programme.
“That particular character has been registered,” he said.
“Anybody that wants to use me outside, they want to use me with the character with everything that I have. But it has never been easy for me. That’s why you don’t see me on adverts. You don’t see me on billboards and all that. So it’s painful.”
He explained that he does not have the legal right to use the character’s name or appearance without permission from the owners.
“I don’t have the right. I can’t use the name unless I go and take permission,” he said. “Because of this, I have limited opportunities.”
The actor also disclosed that life has been difficult since he retired from the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture about five years ago.
“Things have never been okay,” he said. “No car in my home, no house of my own. I don’t have a car.”
Abiodun rose to fame in Papa Ajasco & Company, a long running television sitcom created by Wale Adenuga. The show debuted in 1996 and became one of Nigeria’s most popular comedy programmes, telling the story of the Ajasco family and their humorous experiences.
The Papa Ajasco character is recognised for his bald head and comic reactions, including repeatedly tapping his head in disbelief during tense or funny moments.
Abiodun was the original actor to portray the role before it was later taken over for a period by the late Femi Ogunrombi.
