Veteran Nigerian actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, best known for bringing the beloved “Papa Ajasco” character to life, is stepping into a new chapter, this time under a different name.

In a video posted to Instagram, the actor introduced himself as Bondu Alaska, marking a clear shift away from the role that defined much of his career. “My name is Bondu Alaska. The one and only Bondu Alaska,” he said, with a tone that suggested both reinvention and resolve.

The move comes on the heels of recent public remarks in which Ayoyinka spoke about financial struggles, comments that drew a swift response from Wale Adenuga, founder of Wale Adenuga Productions and the creative force behind the “Papa Ajasco” franchise.

Adenuga pushed back on those claims, describing them as “misleading” and noting that the actor had received support over the years, including material benefits. He also reiterated the importance of protecting the “Papa Ajasco” brand, which remains under the company’s control.

While actors from the series are free to pursue other opportunities, the character itself is tightly managed, something that appears to have influenced Ayoyinka’s decision to reintroduce himself on his own terms.

Not everyone is ready to make that shift. For many Nigerians, “Papa Ajasco” isn’t just a character, it’s a cultural fixture. Some fans have openly resisted the rebrand, insisting the actor will always be Papa Ajasco to them.

Others, though, see this as a necessary evolution. In an industry where actors can become boxed into a single role, stepping away can be as much about survival as it is about growth.

Ayoyinka, for his part, seems focused on moving forward. He thanked Nigerians for their support and promised not to disappoint as he embraces this new identity.

“I’m a new person now,” he said.