Veteran filmmaker Wale Adenuga has strongly rejected allegations of exploitation and financial neglect leveled by actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, who played the iconic Papa Ajasco character.
In a statement from Wale Adenuga Productions, Adenuga described Ayoyinka’s claims as “entirely false and misleading.”
Adenuga said his initial reaction to Ayoyinka’s trending video was one of surprise, viewing it as a successful social media money-making strategy.
“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.’”
He clarified that the “Papa Ajasco” brand remains legally protected and copyrighted by WAP.
“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.”
Adenuga stressed Ayoyinka is free to take other jobs, provided he seeks official approval from WAP for brand-related work.
“He has not been barred from accepting advert jobs… all that is required is to seek official approval from WAP. This is part of brand protection.”
Highlighting Ayoyinka’s background as a retired Lagos State civil servant with over 30 years of service, Adenuga questioned claims of financial hardship.
“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.”
“Why is Abiodun Ayoyinka claiming to be broke? Where are the investments from his over 30 years of meritorious service… What happened to his gratuities?”
He noted other cast members, including Pa James, take independent roles outside the show.
Ayoyinka and others work on set for six weeks annually, leaving ample time for other endeavours, with episodes recorded to last a year.
Adenuga reaffirmed WAP’s reputation for paying according to industry standards and fulfilling all financial obligations.
“Any narrative suggesting financial abandonment or exploitation by our organization is entirely false and misleading.”
