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By John Ogunsemore
Renowned filmmaker and Chief Executive Officer of Wale Adenuga Productions, Wale Adenuga, has addressed a claim by comic actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known as Papa Ajasco, of facing financial hardship.
Ayoyinka had expressed frustration at not having rights to use the Papa Ajasco character with which he had become synonymous.
This, he said, has contributed to his financial problems despite his long association with the Papa Ajasco television series.
But in a statement, Adenuga described the actor’s claims as “false and misleading”.
He said Ayoyinka was never barred from taking up advertising jobs but only required to seek official approval in line with brand protection policies tied to the Papa Ajasco and Company franchise.
Adenuga said Ayoyinka is a versatile actor who has played the role of Papa Ajasco wonderfully well, bearing the closest resemblance to the cartoon version of the Papa Ajasco character, which he created on his dining table in 1976 during his publishing days.
Adenuga said he has maintained a cordial relationship with Ayoyinka, with whom there has not been irreconcilable difference.
The statement reads, “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 debunked the allegation that his company neglected the actor.
“We gave him a car at some point, just as we did for Pa James. He has also used several vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz. To the best of my knowledge, he also owns a house in Ogun State,” he stated.
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He clarified that restrictions on the use of the “Papa Ajasco” brand for personal ventures were necessary to protect its identity, stressing that actors are not barred from taking on other jobs.
“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,” he said.
He explained that Ayoyinka’s claims of being broke were simply not tenable.
“Why is Abiodun Ayoyinka claiming to be broke? Where are the investments from his over 30 years of meritorious service… What happened to his gratuities?” he stated.
Adenuga added, “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 artists working with us are not restricted from taking other roles.
“To further buttress this, Abiodun Ayoyinka and other artists 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: waptvtvchannel.
“Wale Adenuga Productions has remained reputable over the years, maintaining cordial working relationships with artists 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.”
