The executive producer of Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP), Wale Adenuga, has addressed allegations by Abiodun Ayoyinka, the comic actor widely known as Papa Ajasco, concerning financial difficulties linked to the character.
Over the weekend, Ayoyinka claimed that WAP limits his ability to profit from the Papa Ajasco persona outside the original production, restricting his income opportunities.
In a statement on Tuesday, Adenuga clarified that while Ayoyinka cannot independently use the character for personal business ventures to protect the brand, he is allowed to accept advertisement roles with WAP’s approval.
Adenuga dismissed the actor’s claims as a “public show of comedy” and a distortion of facts, suggesting Ayoyinka is leveraging social media for revenue. He stressed that their relationship remains cordial.
He also challenged Ayoyinka’s narrative of financial struggle, pointing to his long career in civil service and ongoing opportunities in the entertainment industry.
“I am doing this not with malice, but in the interest of truth, transparency, and the integrity of a legacy that has entertained millions of Nigerians for decades,” Adenuga said.
He noted that Ayoyinka served in the Lagos State Government for over three decades and was even the face of the state’s cultural troupe, earning recognition from leaders including Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Adenuga added that WAP had previously provided Ayoyinka with a vehicle and highlighted that he has used multiple cars, including a Mercedes-Benz, and owns a home in Ogun state.
The producer stressed that no WAP cast member is barred from using their real names for other roles, citing colleagues like Pa James, Mama Ajasco, Boy Alinco, Miss Pepeiye, Akpan, and Oduma, who regularly feature in productions under their personal names.
Adenuga reaffirmed that WAP compensates its talents according to industry standards and promptly meets all financial obligations, describing claims of neglect or exploitation as false and misleading.