Filmmaker Wale Adenuga has officially refuted claims of financial hardship made by actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, clarifying that the veteran actor had a long-standing career in the civil service and has received significant support from the production company over the years.
Veteran filmmaker and Chief Executive Officer of Wale Adenuga Productions, Wale Adenuga, has responded to claims by actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known as Papa Ajasco, that he is broke. Ayoyinka sparked online reactions after alleging financial hardship despite his long-standing role in the popular TV series Papa Ajasco and Company. In a statement released on Wednesday, Adenuga dismissed insinuations of neglect and described the narrative as “false and misleading,” while providing details about his relationship with the actor and the structure of their professional engagement.
“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,” Adenuga said. The media executive described Ayoyinka as a “versatile actor” who closely resembles the original character he created in 1976, adding that there had been no irreconcilable differences between them. Adenuga further revealed that Ayoyinka was a civil servant with the Lagos State Government for over three decades, even serving as the face of the state’s cultural troupe, and questioned: “Where are the investments from his over 30 years of meritorious service with the Lagos State Government? What happened to his gratuities?”
Addressing claims of neglect, Adenuga stated that the production company had supported the actor over the years, including providing vehicles and noting that the actor owns a house in Ogun State. He explained that restrictions on the “Papa Ajasco” brand were for protection, but clarified that actors are free to take other jobs. “On the car issue, we once gave him a car — and Pa James as well. He has also used at least five cars, including a Mercedes-Benz, at different times. And to the best of my knowledge, he has a house in Ogun State,” he said. Adenuga concluded by noting that other cast members regularly feature in outside productions, indicating that the company does not restrict its artistes from external engagements.
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