Lagos, Nigeria – Veteran Nigerian comic actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, widely recognized across Africa for his iconic role as Papa Ajasco, has officially changed his stage name and dropped his famous television identity. The 65-year-old actor made the announcement to his global audience in a video that gained widespread attention on Sunday, March 22, 2026, West African Time (GMT+1).
The sudden name change follows previous statements from the actor where he explained that he was not permitted to use the Papa Ajasco character name independently outside of its original television platform. In a recent interview with media personality Lucky Udu, Ayoyinka revealed that this restriction made it difficult for him to secure independent endorsement deals, roles in new films, and other public appearances. Okay News reports that the actor has now completely rebranded to move forward in his long-standing career.
The original video was published on his Instagram page on Saturday, March 21, 2026. In the video, the actor addressed the public directly to confirm his new path. “Ladies and gentlemen, good morning, Nigerians. My name is Bondu Alaska, the one and only. I want to use this medium to thank all Nigerians; they have done a lot for me in my life. I am a new person now. I promise I will not let you down,” he stated.
Wale Adenuga, the producer and creator of the Papa Ajasco television series, had previously dismissed Ayoyinka’s claims of being restricted from opportunities as untrue and misleading. Adenuga stated that he maintained a highly cordial relationship with the versatile actor. The producer noted that Ayoyinka had successfully portrayed the character for many years and had received significant support, including vehicles like a Mercedes Benz, from the production company, Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP).
Adenuga clarified that the Papa Ajasco character is a legally registered trademark, which prohibits anyone from using it independently for personal or commercial gain. However, he emphasized that Ayoyinka was never stopped from accepting advertising opportunities as long as he obtained proper approval from Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP).
The situational comedy program, Papa Ajasco and Company, was one of the most popular television shows in Nigeria during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The show was famous for its exaggerated humor and moral lessons, featuring memorable characters like Pa James, Boy Alinco, Miss Pepeiye, and Papa Ajasco, a bald and perpetually unlucky patriarch whose misfortunes drove the plot. The show was broadcast widely on terrestrial television, earning the cast nationwide fame and helping to establish the early comedy industry in the West African country long before the rise of social media.
