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By Lawrence Agbo
In the midst of a dispute over the character’s trademark, veteran Nigerian comedy actor Abiodun Ayoyinka declared a significant career change, abandoning his long-standing “Papa Ajasco” identity and taking on a new stage name, “Bondu Alaska.”
Ayoyinka disclosed the development in a video shared on Instagram, explaining that the decision was driven by challenges surrounding the commercial use of the “Papa Ajasco” brand, which is owned by Wale Adenuga through his production company.
The actor said he has been unable to fully monetise the widely recognised character due to trademark restrictions, a situation he noted has contributed to financial difficulties in recent years.
In response, Adenuga explained that although Ayoyinka is not allowed to use the “Papa Ajasco” brand on his own for private business endeavours, he is still allowed to appear in commercials with his company’s consent.
He dismissed the actor’s prior statements as a “public show of comedy” and a fabrication of the truth, characterising them as inflated.
Adenuga insisted that his connection with Ayoyinka is still friendly in spite of the argument.
Ayoyinka became well-known for his part in the hit television series Papa Ajasco & Company, which was a spin-off of Adenuga’s 1984 film.
