Mr. Abiodun Ayoyinka, who portrayed “Papa Ajasco” in the well-known sitcom of the same name, disclosed in a recent interview with podcaster Lucky Udu that his earnings have not altered since he assumed the job almost thirty years ago.
“I am paid ₦45,000 every episode. Ayoyinka said, “We record up to 13 episodes, and it takes until a year or two years.”
Wale Adenuga, who owns the show’s copyright, has registered the character of Papa Ajasco, he continued. He explained that because people and companies are unable to employ him to play the role of Papa Ajasco, for which he is renowned, this has restricted his access to chances.
“Wale Adenuga registered that specific persona, and it has been difficult for me to use the character with everything I have, which is why you don’t see me on billboards and advertisements. I need permission to use the character,” he disclosed.
He continued by saying that the copyright associated with the character has prevented him from taking use of its popularity and strength, which has restricted his options as an actor.
“Wale Adenuga registered that specific persona, and it has been difficult for me to use the character with everything I have, which is why you don’t see me on billboards and advertisements. I need permission to use the character,” he disclosed.
He continued by saying that the copyright associated with the character has prevented him from taking use of its popularity and strength, which has restricted his options as an actor.
When Lucky Udu, who is well-known for interviewing former celebrities who are currently struggling, asked about Ayoyinka’s means of subsistence, the actor disclosed that he has had difficulty maintaining a comfortable lifestyle since leaving his position as a government servant five years ago.
“I was working for Lagos State Council for Art and Culture. Now, I am a retired officer. I retired five years ago, and things have not been easy for me. I don’t have a car or house of my own,” he says on his current economic situation.
Abiodun Ayoyinka revealed that after retirement, he has been working full-time as Papa Ajasco, earning ₦45,000 for each of up to 13 episodes a year.
Fans of the popular sitcom, which gained widespread popularity in the 1990s and 2000s, were taken aback by this revelation. Millions of Nigerians watched the bald-headed and bot-bellied Papa Ajasco every week, and he and his co-star Boy Alinco were two of the country’s most adored TV characters thanks to their signature shirt and tie wrapped in a wrapper.
The studios of Wale Adenuga Productions, which also produced other well-known TV shows including Super Story and This Life, produced Papa Ajasco as one of their key flagship programs during the show’s heyday.
The latest in the ongoing pattern of former home video stars going through difficult times is Abiodun Ayoyinka’s admission that portraying Papa Ajasco hasn’t yielded the financial benefits fans might anticipate.
Nollywood veterans Amaechi Muonagor and John Okafor, also known as Mr. Ibu, begged the public for financial support in 2024 as their health struggles ultimately resulted in their tragic deaths.
Actress Halima Abubakar recently posted a video pleading for funding for urgent spleen and brain surgery.
