Veteran Nigerian filmmaker and producer Wale Adenuga has refuted claims by comic actor Abiodun Richard Ayoyinka, popularly known as Papa Ajasco, that he is facing financial hardship despite decades of fame.
Mr. Ayoyinka, 65, made the remarks in a recent interview, during which he lamented the limited financial benefits from the long-running sitcom Papa Ajasco and Company and appealed to fans to continue supporting the show in the age of social media and digital streaming.
However, in a statement released on Wednesday, Adenuga described the claims as “false and misleading”, emphasizing that the actor had benefited from various forms of support during his time on the show.
He stated that Mr. Ayoyinka had previously received vehicles from the production company, including a Mercedes-Benz, and is believed to own a house in Ogun State. Adenuga also clarified that the actor’s work on the sitcom involved about six weeks on set per year, during which enough episodes are recorded for an entire broadcast cycle.
Addressing the use of the Papa Ajasco brand, Adenuga explained that the character is a registered trademark, and actors are required to seek official approval from Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP) before engaging in activities under the brand. He stressed that this restriction does not prevent cast members from accepting other acting roles using their personal names.
“No irreconcilable difference exists between us,” Adenuga said, noting the cordial working relationship he maintains with Mr. Ayoyinka. He added that several cast members, including Pa James, Mama Ajasco, Boy Alinco, Miss Pepeiye, Akpan, and Oduma, regularly appear in other productions without restriction.
Papa Ajasco and Company, created by Adenuga, remains one of Nigeria’s most recognizable television comedies, continuing to air on platforms including NTA Network, STV Network, WAPTV, and the WAPTV YouTube channel.
“The organisation pays according to industry standards and ensures all financial obligations are fulfilled as and when due,” Adenuga concluded. “Therefore, any narrative suggesting financial abandonment or exploitation by our organisation is entirely false and misleading.”
