Veteran Nigerian actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, widely known for his role as the titular character in the popular comedy series Papa Ajasco & Company, has opened up about the financial hardship he is facing despite decades in the entertainment industry.
Ayoyinka revealed that he currently earns about ₦45,000 per episode for his role in the long-running sitcom, a figure he said has made it difficult for him to live comfortably.
Speaking in a recent interview with Lucky Udu, the veteran actor explained that the production team records only a limited number of episodes annually, which significantly affects his income.
He also disclosed that the character Papa Ajasco is trademarked by renowned producer Wale Adenuga, a development that prevents him from independently using the character for commercial purposes such as advertisements, brand endorsements or public appearances.
According to him, the restriction has limited his opportunities to make additional income using the famous persona that made him popular among Nigerians.
Ayoyinka further revealed that he retired from the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture about five years ago and has been facing financial challenges since then.
The actor said the situation is painful because many Nigerians assume he became wealthy from the role, whereas the reality is far from it.
He noted that despite his fame, he currently does not own a house or a car, adding that life has been difficult.
The actor, however, expressed hope that things would improve, calling on well-meaning Nigerians and stakeholders in the entertainment industry to support veteran actors who contributed to the growth of television in the country.
The sitcom Papa Ajasco & Company, produced by Wale Adenuga, became one of Nigeria’s most popular television programmes in the late 1990s and early 2000s, entertaining audiences with its unique humour and memorable characters.
Ayoyinka’s revelation has since sparked conversations on social media about the welfare of veteran actors in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
