Wale Adenuga Issues Clarification Over Papa Ajasco Actor, Abiodun Ayoyinka Interview

Nigerian billionaire Wale Adenuga has finally addressed the claims made by Papa Ajasco's actor, Abiodun Ayoyinka.

Recall that The Nigerian Voice reported that veteran actor Abiodun Ayoyinka in a viral interview with content creator Lucky Udu, opened up on his financial struggles, despite being well-known for playing the popular Papa Ajasco character.

He revealed that the character was trademarked by Wale Adenuga production company, thereby restricting him from making money off it without prior permission from Wale Adenuga Productions (WAPTV).

Addressing the noise that Ayoyinka's interview has generated, Wale Adenuga issued a statement on his company's Instagram page, praised the actor for his versatility in embodying the character of Papa Ajasco.

He also maintained that he shares a close bond with the actor, and there is no bad blood between them currently.

The CEO of WAPTV, however mentioned that his statement was drawn out of a desire to curb "misinformation, emotional commentary, and uninformed public intervention" that has emanated from the actor's recent interview.

He noted how the actor served with the Lagos State government for over three decades, and his company had to seek permission for his presence on set on some occasions.

Wale Adenuga also mentioned that Ayoyinka has a house in Ogun State, and he was also given a car alongside his fellow casts. He admitted that the character was copyrighted, explaining that it was to prevent inappropriate usage that could damage the reputation of the brand.

Additionally, Wale Adenuga stated that the organization fulfils its end of the financial bargain, and pays its workers according to industry standards.

The full statement read: "WALE ADENUGA MFR, CLEARS THE AIR ON PAPA AJASCO 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.

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.

He is very close to me, and so far, there has been no irreconcilable difference between us.

Candidly, I want to address the wave of misinformation, emotional commentary, and uninformed public intervention that has followed his 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.

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, which endeared him to the likes of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his time as governor, as well as his successors. He retired not too long ago. In fact, we used to seek permission from his office anytime we needed him on location.

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.

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.

Also, he has not been barred from accepting advert jobs. As he himself stated, all that is required is to seek official approval from WAP. This is part of brand protection.

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?

His colleagues at WAP such as Pa James, Mama Ajasco, Boy Alinco, Miss Pepeiye, Akpan, and Oduma are always on various film locations, working under their personal names. This clearly shows that artists working with us are not restricted from taking other roles.

To further buttress this, Abiodun Ayoyinka and other artists in the TV show are on our set for 6 weeks in a whole year, thereby availing them enough time to pursue other endeavors. It is important to note that within the 6 weeks, we record enough episodes to last for a year.

The award-winning Papa Ajasco and Company comedy series still runs on NTA Network, STV Network, WAPTV Network, and others, both on terrestrial and cable platforms, as well as on YouTube: waptvchannel.

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.

We sincerely appreciate the concerns and support from our viewers and the general public.

Signed, Wale Adenuga, MFR Chairman/Executive Producer Wale Adenuga Productions."