Veteran producer Wale Adenuga has addressed claims of hardship by actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known for his role in the popular comedy ‘Papa Ajasco’, following the actor’s recent interview on his career and living.

Mr Ayoyinka, in an interview with YouTuber Lucky David Udu, said he still worked with Wale Adenuga Productions but had been offered limited opportunities.

He explained that the ‘Papa Ajasco’ character is registered to Mr Adenuga, making it difficult for him to assume independent roles under that identity without permission.

“Why I am not moving and why people are not seeing me is because that particular character has been registered by Wale Adenuga,” he said, adding that producers often don’t want him to appear in collaborations without his Papa Ajasco costume, which he cannot wear freely.

Mr Ayoyinka said he worked with the WAP company about once a year and was paid N45,000 per episode. He added that despite decades in acting, he did not own a house or car.

The actor also claimed that top Nigerian leaders, including President Bola Tinubu and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, widely recognise him and often call him their friend.

In response, Mr Adenuga, in a statement on Tuesday, dismissed what he described as “misinformation”.

“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? On the car issue, we once gave him a car and Pa James as well,” he said.

According to him, the actor had used multiple vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz, and owns a house in Ogun state.

Mr Adenuga also defended restrictions around the use of the ‘Papa Ajasco’ name, stating that it is a protected brand.

“He cannot use the copyrighted brand name Papa Ajasco for personal ventures because it is our duty to protect the brand from inappropriate usage,” he said.

Mr Adenuga added that cast members typically spend about six weeks annually on set, during which enough episodes are recorded to last a year, leaving them time to pursue other engagements.

Mr Adenuga also cited other actors from the show, including Pa James, Mama Ajasco, Boy Alinco, Miss Pepeiye, Akpan and Oduma, as examples of actors who continue to work on other projects outside the programme.