- Safiu Kehinde
Wale Adenuga, the Executive Producer and Chairman of Wale Adenuga Production (WAP), has broken silence over claim of treating actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known as Papa Ajasco, poorly.
Adenuga’s reaction is coming under the heels of viral interview where Ayoyinka claimed being poorly paid and living under poor condition despite his lead role in the renowned Papa Ajasco’s soap opera.
The actor had in the interview claimed never making enough money to build a house or own a car of his own despite over a decade of playing the Papa Ajasco character.
He alleged that the role had prevented him from getting other job opportunities.
Reacting in a statement issued on Wednesday, Wale Adenuga labelled Ayoyinka’s allegation as money-making strategy.
While acknowledging his relationship with the actor, the media guru addressed what he considered misinformation and emotional commentary surrounding the interview.
“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 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.” He said.
Adenuga disclosed that Ayoyinka had been a Lagos State Government worker for over three decades and had just recently retired.
The WAP TV Executive Producer refuted his claim of not having a car as he disclosed that the actor had used at least five cars and also own a house in Ogun state.
“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 said.
Adenuga further debunked claim of preventing Ayoyinka from getting other movie roles and also barring him from accepting advert jobs through the Papa Ajasco character.
Citing cases of his other colleagues such as Pa James, Mama Ajasco, Boy Alinco, and Akpan amongst others who feature in other, other movies, Wale Adenuga questioned Ayoyinka’s claim of being broke.
The media mogul also raised question on the actor’s investment from his 30 years of service under Lagos State Government.
“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 clearly shows that artistes working with us are not restricted from taking other roles.” Adenuga said.
He reiterated that Ayoyinka and every other artiste are given enough time to pursue other endeavours as they only appear on the Papa Ajasco set for six weeks in a whole year.
He held that the organisation had over the years maintained cordial relationship with all its artistes and crew members pay them according to industry standards while ensuring all financial obligations are fulfilled as at when due.
“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 enough time to pursue other endeavors. It is 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.” Adenuga said.
He added that any narrative suggesting financial abandonment or exploitation by WAP is entirely false and misleading.