The chairman of Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP), Wale Adenuga, on Tuesday, March 17, clarified that veteran comic actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known as Papa Ajasco, is not barred from accepting advertisement deals, emphasizing that the actor only requires official approval from the production company.
Adenuga made the remarks in response to claims by Ayoyinka that the trademarked status of Papa Ajasco‘s character had limited his opportunities to secure advertisement deals.
He stated that the approval requirement is a standard procedure to protect the integrity of the brand and ensure its proper use, not a restriction on the actor’s personal ventures.
“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.
“Ayoyinka and other artistes in the show are on our set for six weeks in a whole year, thereby availing them enough time to pursue other endeavors.
“It is important to note that within the six weeks, we record enough episodes to last for a year,” he said.
Adenuga emphasized WAP’s track record of professional integrity, noting that the organization has always prioritized timely payments in accordance with industry standards and maintained positive working relationships with its entire production team.
He also addressed Ayoyinka’s claims of being broke, revealing that the actor spent over three decades as a civil servant with the Lagos state council for arts and culture.
He noted that he also served as the face of the state’s cultural troupe, which earned him recognition from Bola Tinubu during his tenure as the governor of Lagos state.
Adenuga questioned what had become of the actor’s earnings, gratuities, and investments from his long years of government service.
“Where are the investments from his over 30 years of meritorious service with the Lagos state government?
“What happened to his gratuities?” Adenuga asked.
Adenuga disclosed that WAP had previously provided Ayoyinka with a vehicle.
He further noted that the actor has had access to at least five different cars over the years, including a Mercedes-Benz, and confirmed that Ayoyinka owns a house in Ogun state.
Adenuga praised Ayoyinka’s contributions to the Papa Ajasco and Company comedy series, noting that his performance closely mirrored the cartoon character he created on his dining table in 1976.
He reassured the public that there has been no irreconcilable difference between the production company and the actor.
Adenuga confirmed that the award-winning comedy series remains very much alive and continues to air on television networks as well as on various cable and digital platforms like YouTube.
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