Film producer Wale Adenuga has responded to claims by actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, known for playing Papa Ajasco, following reports of financial struggles.
Abiodun recently drew public attention after saying he was facing hardship despite years in the industry and that he seeks permission to use the Papa Ajasco role.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Adenuga rejected suggestions of neglect or exploitation, describing such claims as misleading. He acknowledged Abiodun’s role in the success of the long running Papa Ajasco and Company series and said there has been no major disagreement between them.
He explained that while the actor is free to take on other jobs, he must obtain approval before using the Papa Ajasco brand because it is copyrighted.
Addressing claims of financial struggle, Adenuga questioned what happened to the actor’s earnings from his decades of civil service and acting engagements, adding that he had benefited from several opportunities over the years.
The statement read in part:
“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.
“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.”
