Lagos, Nigeria — Nigerian film producer Wale Adenuga has publicly responded to claims by actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, widely recognised for his role as Papa Ajasco, that he is facing financial hardship.
Okay News reports that the controversy began after Ayoyinka suggested in a recent interview that he was struggling financially despite decades of involvement in Papa Ajasco and Company, a long-running Nigerian television comedy series that has gained recognition across Africa and among global audiences of Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Adenuga, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Wale Adenuga Productions, rejected the claim and described it as misleading, while outlining details of his professional relationship with the actor.
“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,” Adenuga said.
Providing background, Adenuga explained that Ayoyinka spent over 30 years working as a civil servant with the Lagos State Government in southwestern Nigeria before retiring recently. He noted that during that time, the actor’s official duties often required formal approval before he could participate in filming.
He said, “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.
“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.
“He bears the closest resemblance to the cartoon version of the Papa Ajasco character, which I created on my dining table in 1976 during my publishing days. He is very close to me, and so far, there has been no irreconcilable difference between us.”
Addressing concerns about financial support, Adenuga said his company had provided assistance to the actor over the years, including vehicles and other benefits.
“On the car issue, we once gave him a car — and Pa James as well. He has also used at least five cars, including a Mercedes-Benz, at different times. And to the best of my knowledge, he has a house in Ogun State,” he said.
He clarified that actors associated with the production are allowed to take on other work, including advertising roles, as long as they seek approval when using the “Papa Ajasco” brand.
“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,” Adenuga said.
Questioning the claim of hardship, Adenuga added, “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?”
He further explained that actors in the series typically spend about six weeks each year filming, leaving time for other income-generating activities. He also noted that several cast members appear in other productions, indicating that opportunities are not restricted.
“The organisation pays according to industry standards and ensures all financial obligations are fulfilled as and when due. Therefore, any narrative suggesting financial abandonment or exploitation by our organisation is entirely false and misleading,” he said.
The development has drawn attention to ongoing conversations about income stability and welfare in Nollywood, one of the world’s largest film industries by output.
