Veteran filmmaker and producer Wale Adenuga has addressed the controversy surrounding the popular comedy series Papa Ajasco and Company, dismissing claims of neglect and exploitation involving actor Abiodun Ayoyinka.
In a statement, Adenuga said his reaction to a recent viral video featuring Ayoyinka was one of surprise, noting that the actor appeared to be taking the Papa Ajasco brand into the public space independently.
“My first impression when I watched the video was: ‘Okay, so this guy has taken Papa Ajasco comedy into the public space!’ It is all well and good. I am happy for him, as his money-making strategy using social media has apparently worked,” he said.
Adenuga described Ayoyinka as “a versatile actor” who has played the role of Papa Ajasco “wonderfully well,” adding that the character itself was originally created in 1976 during his publishing days.
“He bears the closest resemblance to the cartoon version of the Papa Ajasco character, which I created on my dining table in 1976,” he said, stressing that the actor remains close to him and that there has been no “irreconcilable difference” between them.
However, the producer said he felt compelled to respond due to what he described as “misinformation, emotional commentary, and uninformed public intervention” following Ayoyinka’s recent media interview.
“I am doing this not with malice, but in the interest of truth, transparency, and the integrity of a legacy that has entertained millions of Nigerians for decades,” Adenuga stated.
Addressing claims about Ayoyinka’s welfare, Adenuga noted that the actor had a long career as a civil servant with the Lagos State Government and had also benefited from various forms of support over the years.
“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,” he said, adding that Ayoyinka also owns a house in Ogun State.
On the use of the Papa Ajasco brand, Adenuga maintained that it remains protected under copyright and cannot be used for personal ventures without approval.
“He cannot use the copyrighted brand name Papa Ajasco for personal ventures because it is our duty to protect the brand from inappropriate usage that could damage its reputation,” he explained.
He clarified that Ayoyinka had not been barred from taking up advertisement jobs, noting that the only requirement is prior approval from Wale Adenuga Productions.
“As he himself stated, all that is required is to seek official approval from WAP. This is part of brand protection,” he said.
Adenuga also questioned Ayoyinka’s claim of financial hardship, pointing to his decades of service and entitlements.
“Why is Abiodun Ayoyinka claiming to be broke? Where are the investments from his over 30 years of meritorious service with the Lagos State Government? What happened to his gratuities?” he queried.
He further noted that other cast members of the series continue to work on various projects independently, stressing that actors under the production are not restricted.
“Artistes working with us are not restricted from taking other roles. They are only on our set for about six weeks in a year, which gives them enough time to pursue other endeavours,” Adenuga said.
The producer reaffirmed that Papa Ajasco and Company remains in active broadcast across multiple platforms, including television networks and YouTube.
He concluded by defending the reputation of Wale Adenuga Productions, insisting that the organisation meets its obligations to artistes and crew.
“The organisation pays according to industry standards and ensures all financial obligations are fulfilled as at when due. Any narrative suggesting financial abandonment or exploitation is entirely false and misleading,” he said.
