Actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, best known for his role as Papa Ajasco in the sitcom Papa Ajasco and Company, has denied claims that he received a car and 25,000 dollars amid ongoing public debate about his finances and career.
The 65-year-old became a subject of national discussion in March after a viral interview with media personality Lucky Udu, where he spoke about his struggles despite decades in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
The interview triggered wider reactions and counter claims. Wale Adenuga, producer and creator of Papa Ajasco and Company, stated that Abiodun benefited from several forms of support during his time on the show, including access to vehicles, among them a Mercedes Benz.
The matter escalated further after Lucky Udu publicly reacted, accusing the actor of ingratitude. In a widely shared video, Udu said Abiodun did not properly acknowledge his contribution to reviving attention around his situation.
“The only appreciation I got from Papa Ajasco was an Instagram voice message,” Mr Udu said, adding that efforts to arrange further support, including a proposed meeting with a pastor in Abuja, did not succeed.
Udu also said the experience reminded him of earlier cases where his attempts to assist public figures were not fully appreciated.
Responding in a new interview with Daddy Freeze, Abiodun dismissed the claims and clarified what he actually received following the viral attention.
He confirmed that Udu’s interview helped bring him back into public relevance.
“After the interview, I appreciated my fans, and I appreciated Lucky Udu. It gave me a new life and a new beginning,” he said.
On financial contributions, Abiodun said donations came mainly from members of the public after the interview.
“When we summed it together, it was almost N6 million,” he said, explaining that donations came in different amounts ranging from N1,000 to N1 million.
He also denied reports circulating online that he received a car and 25,000 dollars.
“I am still trekking and jumping the bus. I did not receive any car; some people came to my house to see the car, and I told them I didn’t see any car,” he said.
Reacting to comments from Wale Adenuga, the Papa Ajasco star clarified that he once owned a vehicle during his acting career, an old Mercedes 200, which he said he acquired years ago but no longer has.
He added that his intention is to correct what he described as misinformation about his situation and the support he received.
Abiodun also spoke about his relationship with Lucky Udu, saying he had attempted to maintain contact after the interview, including plans for a meeting in Abuja, but claimed his calls were not answered.
