Wale Adenuga, creator and executive producer of the iconic Papa Ajasco and Company series, has issued a measured response to veteran actor Richard Abiodun Ayoyinka’s recent interview on Lucky Udu TV. In the statement, Adenuga addressed the concerns raised by Ayoyinka, who had spoken openly about financial struggles and restrictions on using the Papa Ajasco character.
Adenuga began by acknowledging the interview’s impact.
“My first impression when I watched the Papa Ajasco video now trending on the internet and local TV channels 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 for him.”
He praised Ayoyinka’s contribution, noting:
“Abiodun Ayoyinka is a versatile actor who has played the role of Papa Ajasco so wonderfully well. He bears the closest resemblance to the cartoon version of the Papa Ajasco character, which I created on my dining table in 1976 during my publishing days.”
Addressing the wave of public commentary, Adenuga clarified several points. On Ayoyinka’s civil service background, he stated:
“Abiodun Ayoyinka was a civil servant with the Lagos State Government for over three decades. He was even the face of the state’s cultural troupe… He retired not too long ago. In fact, we used to seek permission from his office anytime we needed him on location.”
Regarding assets, Adenuga noted:
“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. And to the best of my knowledge, he has a house in Ogun State.”
On the character rights at the centre of Ayoyinka’s complaint, Adenuga explained:
“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 added that Ayoyinka
“has not been barred from accepting advert jobs. As he himself stated, all that is required is to seek official approval from WAP.”
Adenuga also questioned the narrative of hardship:
“Now, the question is: 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 pointed out that other cast members work under their personal names on various projects and noted that actors are only on set for six weeks a year, leaving ample time for other opportunities.
He concluded by defending his production company:
“Wale Adenuga Productions has remained reputable over the years, maintaining cordial working relationships with artistes and crew members alike. The organisation pays according to industry standards and ensures all financial obligations are fulfilled as at when due. Therefore, any narrative suggesting financial abandonment or exploitation by our organisation is entirely false and misleading.”