WALE ADENUGA REFUTES PAPA AJASCO’S CLAIM OF BEING BROKE, CALLS IT MISLEADING
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By: Muftau Fatimo
Veteran filmmaker and CEO of Wale Adenuga Productions, Wale Adenuga, has addressed claims by actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, famously known as Papa Ajasco, that he is facing financial difficulties.
Ayoyinka drew widespread attention online after alleging monetary struggles despite his long-standing role in the popular TV series Papa Ajasco and Company.
In a statement on Wednesday, Adenuga rejected the claims, describing them as “false and misleading,” while clarifying his professional relationship with the actor and how their collaboration is structured.
“My first reaction upon seeing the Papa Ajasco video trending online and on local TV was: ‘Okay, so this guy has taken the Papa Ajasco comedy to the public space!’ That’s perfectly fine. I am pleased for him, as his strategy to generate income through social media seems to have worked,” Adenuga said.
The media executive praised Ayoyinka as a “versatile actor” who closely mirrors the original character he created in 1976, emphasizing that there have been no irreconcilable differences between them.
He stated, “Frankly, I want to address the wave of misinformation, emotional reactions, and uninformed public commentary that have followed his recent media interview. I do this not out of malice, but in the interest of truth, transparency, and preserving the integrity of a legacy that has entertained millions of Nigerians for decades.
“Abiodun Ayoyinka served as a civil servant with the Lagos State Government for over 30 years. He was also the face of the state’s cultural troupe, earning recognition from leaders such as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as governor, as well as from his successors. He retired relatively recently, and we would always seek permission from his office whenever he was needed on set.”
“He most closely resembles 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 there have been no irreconcilable differences between us,” Adenuga said.
Responding to claims of neglect, Adenuga highlighted the support the production company has provided the actor over the years.
“Regarding the car issue, we once gave him a car — as we did for Pa James. Over time, he has used at least five vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz. To my knowledge, he also owns a house in Ogun State,” he stated.
He explained that restrictions on using the “Papa Ajasco” brand for personal ventures were necessary to protect its integrity, but emphasized that actors are free to take on other jobs.
“He has not been barred from accepting advertisement jobs. As he himself acknowledged, all that is required is official approval from WAP, which is part of brand protection,” Adenuga added.
Questioning Ayoyinka’s claim of financial hardship, he said, “Why is Abiodun Ayoyinka claiming to be broke? What happened to his investments from over 30 years of meritorious service with the Lagos State Government? Where are his gratuities?”
Adenuga also pointed out that other cast members — including Pa James, Mama Ajasco, Boy Alinco, Miss Pepeiye, Akpan, and Oduma — regularly appear in other productions, showing that the company does not restrict external engagements. He noted that actors typically spend only six weeks a year on set, leaving ample time for other pursuits.
“The organisation pays according to industry standards and fulfills all financial obligations promptly. Any suggestion of financial abandonment or exploitation by our company is entirely false and misleading,” he said.
Adenuga concluded by reaffirming the company’s commitment to maintaining professional relationships and thanking the public for its concern and support.
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