Beloved Nollywood legend, Richard Abiodun Ayoyinka, forever etched in fans’ hearts as Papa Ajasco, has confessed the harsh realities behind his long absence from the spotlight in a vulnerable interview with Lucky Udu. The conversation uncovers how intellectual property constraints has sidelined the once-unstoppable star.
Ayoyinka’s iconic role in the late-1990s hit Papa Ajasco and Company catapulted him to fame, with the mischievous character’s antics entertaining families across Nigeria for over a decade. But as he confided to Udu, that breakthrough has ironically also become his biggest hurdle.
“That particular character (Papa Ajasco) has been registered by Wale Adenuga… Things have never been okay for years back now – no car of my own, no house of my own.”
The heart of the issue lies in ownership battles. Ayoyinka explained he cannot revive Papa Ajasco or even wear the signature outfit without Adenuga’s approval, stifling potential comeback opportunities.
“The major problem why people are not seeing me where they are supposed to see me is cause that particular character (Papa Ajasco) has been registered by Wale Adenuga and anybody that wants to use me outside with the character has to take permission from him.”
This typecasting trap means producers seek the familiar persona, not fresh takes on his real self.
“I don’t have the right to use the name Papa Ajasco unless I go and take permission. I can’t even use the costume and cause of this I have had limited opportunities because people would want to use me as Papa Ajasco.”