Producer Wale Adenuga has dismissed allegations of financial neglect levelled by veteran actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, who plays the iconic Papa Ajasco character, insisting there has been “no irreconcilable difference” between them and that the claims are misleading.
In a detailed statement released on March 18, Adenuga praised Ayoyinka’s long service while addressing public concern sparked by the actor’s recent media interview. “Abiodun Ayoyinka is a versatile actor who has played the role of Papa Ajasco so wonderfully well,” he said. “He is very close to me, and so far, there has been no irreconcilable difference between us.”
Adenuga noted Ayoyinka’s 30-year civil service career with Lagos State, including a house in Ogun State and access to multiple vehicles, including a Mercedes Benz. “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,” he stated
He clarified that the Papa Ajasco brand is copyrighted and requires official approval for external use to protect its reputation, but insisted Ayoyinka is free to pursue other acting and advertising work. “He cannot use the copyrighted brand name Papa Ajasco for personal ventures… As he himself stated, all that is required is to seek official approval from WAP,” Adenuga explained.
Adenuga stressed that the Papa Ajasco series runs for only six weeks a year, leaving ample time for cast members to take other jobs, and that Wale Adenuga Productions pays industry-standard fees with all obligations met. “Any narrative suggesting financial abandonment or exploitation by our organisation is entirely false and misleading,” he added.
The producer concluded by thanking viewers for their concern and reaffirming cordial relations with all artistes.
