Veteran Nigerian producer Wale Adenuga, has moved to clarify issues surrounding the iconic comedy character Papa Ajasco, following a wave of online debate sparked by a recent interview involving the actor who plays the role.
In a detailed public statement, Adenuga said the controversy had been driven by “misinformation, emotional commentary and uninformed public intervention,” prompting him to set the record straight in order to protect a legacy he said had entertained Nigerians for decades.
He acknowledged the popularity of a viral video featuring Abiodun Ayoyinka, who has portrayed Papa Ajasco for many years, describing the actor as “versatile” and praising his close resemblance to the original cartoon character conceived in 1976.
Adenuga said there was no irreconcilable dispute between both men, stressing that Ayoyinka remained close to him and the production company.
He stated that the actor had spent more than 30 years as a civil servant with the Lagos State Government, rising to prominence as part of the state’s cultural troupe, which brought him into contact with political leaders including President Bola Tinubu during his time as governor.
Addressing claims of neglect, Adenuga said Ayoyinka had benefited from several vehicles over the years, including a Mercedes-Benz, and owned a house in Ogun State.
He also dismissed suggestions that the actor had been barred from commercial work, explaining that approval was only required when the Papa Ajasco brand was involved.
“The name Papa Ajasco is a copyrighted brand,” Adenuga said, adding that its use must be regulated to prevent reputational damage.
The statement read:
"WALE ADENUGA MFR, CLEARS THE AIR ON 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!'
"It is all well and good. I am happy for him, as his money‑making strategy using social media has apparently worked for him.
"Abiodun Ayoyinka is a versatile actor who has played the role of Papa Ajasco so wonderfully well. 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.
"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.
"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.
"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. And to the best of my knowledge, he has a house in Ogun State.
"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.
"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?
"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 artistes working with us are not restricted from taking other roles.
"To further buttress this, Abiodun Ayoyinka and other artistes 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: waptvchannel.
"Wale Adenuga Productions has remained reputable over the years, maintaining cordial working relationships with artistes 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.
"We sincerely appreciate the concerns and support from our viewers and the general public.
"Signed,
Wale Adenuga, MFR
Chairman/Executive Producer
Wale Adenuga Productions."
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