Veteran Nigerian filmmaker and producer Wale Adenuga has responded to recent claims by comic actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known for his role as Papa Ajasco, that he is currently facing financial hardship despite decades of fame.
In a recent interview with content creator Lucky Udu, Mr Ayoyinka revealed that the character “Papa Ajasco” was trademarked by a Mr Adenuga, limiting his opportunities.
Mr Ayoyinka debuted in 1997 as the titular character in the sitcom Papa Ajasco and Company, playing the lead role of father and leader of the Ajasco family.
He portrayed a promiscuous bald husband who often slaps his head with his hands when astonished at an event. This was a significant aspect of his character. He was bald, pot-bellied and had a consistent coat-on-wrapper outfit.
Speaking to Mr Udu, he also lamented that despite the fame associated with the character, he has no personal car or house and earns relatively modest fees when new episodes are produced.
However, in a statement addressing the controversy, Mr Adenuga sought to clarify what he described as misinformation and emotional commentary that followed the interview.
Mr Adenuga said he had a cordial relationship with Mr Ayoyinka, describing him as a versatile actor who closely resembled the original cartoon character of 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,’” Mr Adenuga said.
“It is all well and good. I am happy for him, as his money-making strategy using social media has apparently worked for him.”
He added that Mr Ayoyinka had played the role successfully for many years and remained close to him.
“He is very close to me, and so far there has been no irreconcilable difference between us,” he said.
Addressing claims of financial hardship, Mr Adenuga said the actor had benefited from several forms of support during his years working on the show.
He said Mr Ayoyinka previously received a car from the production company and had used several vehicles over the years, including a Mercedes-Benz.
“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 Mercedes-Benz, at different times,” he said.
The producer added that, to the best of his knowledge, the actor also owns a house in Ogun State.
Trademark restrictions
He clarified that the Papa Ajasco character is a registered trademark, explaining why the actor cannot use the identity independently for personal ventures.
“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,” he said.
However, he stressed that Mr Ayoyinka had not been barred from accepting advertising jobs, provided official approval was obtained from Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP).
“As he himself stated, all that is required is to seek official approval from WAP. This is part of brand protection,” he noted.
Opportunities
Speaking further, Mr Adenuga rejected suggestions that actors working on the sitcom were restricted from taking other roles.
He stated that several cast members, including Pa James, Mama Ajasco, Boy Alinco, Miss Pepeiye, Akpan and Oduma, regularly appear in other productions using their personal names.
“This clearly shows that artistes working with us are not restricted from taking other roles,” he said.
He added that the actors on the show typically spend about six weeks a year on set, during which enough episodes are recorded to last for an entire broadcast cycle.
Papa Ajasco and Company
In 1997, Wale Adenuga created Papa Ajasco and Company. The show is a spin-off of a feature film of the same title he produced in 1984, based on the comic Ikebe Super.
READ ALSO: Papa Ajasco speaks on struggles over character trademark
The story revolves around the Ajasco family and their comedic interpretations of major societal issues. At its peak, Papa Ajasco was not just a TV show but a cultural phenomenon, widely considered Nigeria’s most-watched comic series and viewed weekly in twelve African countries.
In his statement, Mr Adenuga said the programme continues to air on several platforms, including NTA Network, STV Network, WAPTV, and the WAPTV YouTube channel.
“Wale Adenuga Productions has remained reputable over the years, maintaining cordial working relationships with artistes and crew members alike.”
He said 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,” he said.
