“FAME BROUGHT CHALLENGES TOO” – PAPA AJASCO REFLECTS ON LIFE AFTER STARDOM
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By: Muftau Fatimo
Veteran Nigerian actor Abiodun Ayoyinka has opened up about the challenges he has faced despite achieving widespread fame for his role as the iconic Papa Ajasco.
Ayoyinka shared his experience during an interview with media personality Lucky Udu, explaining that ownership of the character has restricted his opportunities beyond the popular comedy franchise.
He noted that the Papa Ajasco character is legally registered by the production company of Wale Adenuga, making it difficult for him to use the character for personal projects or commercial engagements.
He revealed that this restriction has stopped him from participating in advertisements or brand campaigns, even though several companies have expressed interest in featuring him in the iconic costume and persona.
“The main issue is that the character is legally registered by Wale Adenuga. Anyone who wants to work with me outside the show wants me as the character, with everything that comes with it, and it has never been easy for me,” he explained.
Ayoyinka clarified that he does not hold exclusive rights to the name or costume linked to Papa Ajasco.
“I don’t have the rights. I can’t use the name Papa Ajasco without permission, and I can’t even wear the costume freely,” he said.
He added that the strong public identification with the character has made it challenging for him to secure opportunities as himself.
“Because the character is so iconic, people expect to see me as Papa—dressed and looking like Papa. It’s always difficult for me to break away from that image,” he noted.
The actor also mentioned that he previously worked with the Lagos State Government in the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture before retiring about five years ago.
Despite his long-standing career, Ayoyinka admitted that life has been challenging in recent years.
“Things have never been okay for years now. I retired five years ago, and it has never been easy for me to move around and connect with people,” he said.
“I’m always thinking every day. Look at my home—I don’t have my own house. I don’t have a car.”
Ayoyinka is widely known for playing Papa Ajasco in the long-running Nigerian comedy series Papa Ajasco & Company, a production of Wale Adenuga Productions that became one of Nigeria’s most popular television shows.
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