Veteran filmmaker and Chief Executive Officer of Wale Adenuga Productions, Wale Adenuga, has dismissed claims by actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known as Papa Ajasco, that he is facing financial hardship, describing the narrative as “false and misleading.”
Ayoyinka recently stirred reactions online after alleging he was broke despite his long-running role in the popular television series Papa Ajasco and Company.
Responding in a statement on Wednesday, Adenuga said the claims had been misinterpreted and fueled by misinformation, stressing that there had been no neglect on the part of his production company.
He noted that his initial reaction to the viral video was that the actor was creatively leveraging the Papa Ajasco persona for social media engagement.
“I am happy for him, as his money-making strategy using social media has apparently worked,” Adenuga said.
The filmmaker described Ayoyinka as a versatile actor who closely resembles the original Papa Ajasco character he created in 1976, adding that their relationship remains cordial with no unresolved disputes.
Addressing public concerns, Adenuga said the company had consistently supported the actor over the years, including providing him with vehicles at different times.
He also stated that Ayoyinka owns a house in Ogun State and had benefited from multiple opportunities during his career.
On the use of the “Papa Ajasco” brand, Adenuga explained that restrictions requiring actors to seek approval before commercial use were standard practice aimed at protecting the integrity of the brand, not limiting their opportunities.
He clarified that actors under the production are free to take on other jobs and endorsements, provided due process is followed.
Questioning the basis of Ayoyinka’s financial claims, Adenuga pointed to the actor’s previous career as a civil servant with the Lagos State Government, where he served for over three decades and earned retirement benefits.
He further noted that other cast members of the show continue to feature in various productions, emphasizing that the company does not restrict external engagements.
According to him, actors typically spend only a few weeks annually on set, leaving ample time for other professional pursuits.
Adenuga maintained that Wale Adenuga Productions meets its financial obligations in line with industry standards and rejected any suggestion of exploitation or abandonment.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to professionalism and thanked the public for its continued support.
