WALE ADENUGA MFR, CLEARS THE AIR ON PAPA AJASCO

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 I 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 have 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 Mercedes-Benz, 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 seek official approval from WAP. This is part of brand
protection.
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?
His colleagues at WAP such as Pa James, Mama Ajasco, Boy Alinco, Miss Pepeiye,
Akpan, and Oduma are always on various film locations, working under their
personal names. This speaks to the fact clearly that artistes working with us are not
restricted from taking other roles.
To further buttress this, Abiodun Ayoyinka and other artistes in the TV show, are
on our set for 6 weeks in a whole year, thereby availing them with enough time to
pursue other endeavors.
It is however important to note that within the 6 weeks, we record enough episodes
to last for a year.
The award-winning Papa Ajasco and Company comedy series, still runs on NTA
Network, STV Network, WAPTV Network, and others, both on terrestrial and cable
platforms, as well as on YouTube: waptvchannel.
Wale Adenuga Productions has remained reputable, over the years, maintaining
cordial working relationships with artistes and crew members alike.
The organisation pays according to industry standards and ensures all financial
obligations are fulfilled as at when due. Therefore, any narrative suggesting
financial abandonment or exploitation by our organisation is entirely false and
misleading.
We sincerely appreciate the concerns and support from our viewers and the general
public.
Signed,
Wale Adenuga, MFR
Chairman/ Executive Producer
Wale Adenuga Productions