What began as a nostalgic reflection on one of Nigeria’s most beloved comedy characters has suddenly spiraled into a heated public dispute one that is now forcing the creator of Papa Ajasco and Company to speak out. At the center of the storm is a clash of narratives between veteran filmmaker Wale Adenuga and the actor long associated with the iconic role, Abiodun Ayoyinka.
In a strongly worded response, Adenuga has dismissed claims made by Ayoyinka as “entirely false and misleading,” pushing back against allegations that the actor was restricted and financially neglected due to the trademark attached to the character.
The controversy erupted after Ayoyinka, widely recognized for portraying Papa Ajasco, claimed in a recent interview that the trademark tied to the character limited his opportunities beyond the long-running television series.
According to him, the identity he helped popularize became a constraint, allegedly affecting his ability to fully explore other professional engagements. But Adenuga, chairman of Wale Adenuga Productions, has now offered a sharply contrasting account. Reacting to a viral video of Ayoyinka, Adenuga said his first response was one of surprise rather than concern.
“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?’” he said.
Rather than condemning the actor outright, Adenuga acknowledged Ayoyinka’s efforts to leverage social media, noting that his “money-making strategy” appears to be working.
However, he drew a firm line when it comes to ownership and usage of the Papa Ajasco brand.
Adenuga emphasized that the Papa Ajasco name is a legally protected intellectual property, insisting that its usage must be controlled to preserve its reputation.
“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 stated.
He clarified that Ayoyinka is not barred from pursuing other opportunities, including advertising jobs, but must obtain official approval from Wale Adenuga Productions when the brand is involved.
“This is part of brand protection,” Adenuga added.
Addressing allegations of financial hardship, Adenuga challenged Ayoyinka’s claims, pointing to what he described as years of support and incentives.
He revealed that the actor, a retired civil servant who served for over three decades with the Lagos State Government, had benefited from multiple provisions over time.
“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,” Adenuga said.
He further questioned the narrative of financial struggle, asking why Ayoyinka would claim to be broke after what he described as a long and meritorious career.
While Adenuga’s statement seeks to set the record straight from the production company’s standpoint, it also underscores a deeper issue often seen in the entertainment industrythe tension between creative ownership and the personal identity of actors who embody iconic roles.
For now, the dispute remains a matter of conflicting accounts, with both sides presenting sharply different experiences tied to the same legacy.
As the conversation continues to unfold in public, one thing is certain: the story of Papa Ajasco once purely comedic has taken on a far more serious and complex dimension.