Veteran Nigerian filmmaker and producer Wale Adenuga has fired back at claims by comic actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known as Papa Ajasco, that he is struggling financially despite decades of fame.
In a statement addressing the controversy, Adenuga described the reports of financial abandonment as “entirely false and misleading,” clarifying issues around past support, brand restrictions, and working arrangements on the long-running sitcom, Papa Ajasco and Company.
The actor, 65, had previously revealed in an interview with media personality Lucky Udu that he had no personal car or house and earns modest fees when new episodes are produced. He appealed to fans to continue supporting the show, which he said had lost prominence in the era of social media and streaming platforms.
READ ALSO; Igboho fires back at Sowore over ‘Amala Politics’ jibe, insists backing Tinubu is his constitutional right
In response, Adenuga emphasized that Mr. Ayoyinka has always enjoyed several forms of support from the production company, including vehicles. “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,” Adenuga said. He also noted that the actor owns a house in Ogun State.
Clarifying his point about work arrangements, Adenuga stated that actors on the sitcom typically spend only about six weeks a year on set, during which enough episodes are recorded to cover an entire broadcast cycle. He argued that this schedule allows actors ample time to take on other roles.
He also addressed brand protection, noting that the Papa Ajasco character is a registered trademark. “He cannot use the copyrighted brand name Papa Ajasco for personal ventures, but he is free to accept advertising jobs provided official approval is obtained from WAP,” Adenuga explained.
The producer dismissed suggestions that cast members are restricted from other roles. Several actors, including Pa James, Mama Ajasco, Boy Alinco, Miss Pepeiye, Akpan, and Oduma, regularly appear in other productions using their personal names.
Adenuga reiterated that the production company pays according to industry standards and ensures all financial obligations are fulfilled. “Therefore, any narrative suggesting financial abandonment or exploitation by our organisation is entirely false and misleading,” he said