Veteran filmmaker and CEO of Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP), Wale Adenuga, has finally reacted to the trending video and media interviews of actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, widely known as the iconic character Papa Ajasco, addressing claims of financial hardship and clarifying the nature of their professional relationship.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Adenuga responded to what he termed a “wave of misinformation, emotional commentary, and uninformed public intervention” following Ayoyinka’s recent appearances in the media and on social platforms.
Contrary to speculation about a fallout, Adenuga revealed that he was initially amused by the viral content. “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 stated.
However, the filmmaker felt compelled to set the record straight regarding the actor’s personal history and allegations of mistreatment by the production company.
Adenuga revealed that Ayoyinka was not solely dependent on acting but had a full-time career as a civil servant with the Lagos State Government for over three decades. According to the statement, Ayoyinka was even the face of the state’s cultural troupe and retired not too long ago. “In fact, we used to seek permission from his office anytime we needed him on location,” Adenuga disclosed.
Addressing claims of financial neglect and the actor’s assertion of being broke, Adenuga was forthright. “He bears the closest resemblance to the cartoon version of the Papa Ajasco character… He is very close to me, and so far, there has been no irreconcilable difference between us,” he said, firmly dismissing rumors of a rift.
The WAP boss provided details of the company’s support for the actor over the years. “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,” Adenuga stated.
He also clarified that Ayoyinka is not barred from taking external jobs, such as adverts, a point the actor himself had alluded to. According to Adenuga, the requirement to seek official approval from WAP is a standard practice for “brand protection.”
Adenuga then posed pointed questions regarding Ayoyinka’s public narrative of being broke. “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?”
The statement concluded with a robust defense of Wale Adenuga Productions’ practices. “The organisation pays according to industry standards and ensures all financial obligations are fulfilled as and when due. Therefore, any narrative suggesting financial abandonment or exploitation by our organisation is entirely false and misleading,” Adenuga asserted.
The statement serves as the production company’s first official response to the controversy, pushing back against claims of exploitation while raising questions about the actor’s personal financial management.
