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.
Abiodun Ayoyinka is a versatile actor who has played the role of Papa Ajasco so wonderfully well. He bears the closest resemblance to the cartoon version of the Papa Ajasco character, which | created on my dining table in 1976 during my publishing days.
He is very close to me, and so far, there has been no irreconcilable difference between us.
Candidly, I want to address the wave of misinformation, emotional commentary, and uninformed public intervention that has followed his recent media interview.
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.
Abiodun Ayoyinka was a civil servant with the Lagos State Government for over three decades. He was even the face of the state’s cultural troupe, which endeared him to the likes of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his time as governor, as well as his successors. He retired not too long ago. In fact, we used to seek permission from his office anytime we needed him on location.
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 MercedesBenz, at different times. And to the best of my knowledge, he has a house in Ogun State.
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.
Also, he has not been barred from accepting advert jobs. As he himself stated, all that is required is to......"
– Nigerian film producer, Wale Adenuga has addressed the controversy surrounding claims made by actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known for playing Papa Ajasco.
