Veteran media entrepreneur Wale Adenuga has responded to a viral video of veteran Nollywood actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known as Papa Ajasco, in which the actor revealed personal struggles despite decades in the entertainment industry.
In the interview on Lucky Udu’s podcast, Ayoyinka disclosed that he does not own a house or a car, sparking social media concern and debates over the welfare of veteran actors in Nigeria.
Adenuga clarified that some information in the viral video is misleading. He noted that Ayoyinka was a Lagos State Government civil servant for over 30 years and even led the state’s cultural troupe, and that he has been provided cars in the past, including a Mercedes-Benz, and owns a house in Ogun State.
Adenuga emphasized that Ayoyinka cannot use the copyrighted brand “Papa Ajasco” for personal ventures to protect the integrity of the franchise, and that he has not been barred from accepting advertisement jobs. Adenuga described Ayoyinka as a versatile actor who closely resembles the cartoon character he created in 1976.
The media entrepreneur’s statement seeks to correct misinformation while highlighting Ayoyinka’s long-standing contributions and the need to preserve the legacy of the Papa Ajasco brand.
