Veteran comic actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, widely recognised for portraying Papa Ajasco, has spoken about the career and financial difficulties he has encountered because the famous character is trademarked.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a recent interview with podcaster Lucky Udu, Ayoyinka explained that the character legally belongs to producer Wale Adenuga, which has made it difficult for him to fully benefit from the fame the role brought him. According to the actor, the trademark has restricted how he can use the character outside the television show.
“The major issue why people are not seeing me is because that particular character has been trademarked by Wale Adenuga, and anybody that wants to use me outside, use me with the character, with everything that I have. But, it has never been easy for me, and that is why you do not see me on adverts, billboards and all that, so it is painful,” he said.
He also revealed that he cannot freely use the Papa Ajasco name without first seeking approval from the producer, which has further limited opportunities.
“I cannot use the name Papa Ajasco unless I go and take permission. I have had limited opportunities because of that strong character.
“If they want to use me as Abiodun Ayoyinka, they would want to see Papa Ajasco, dressed like Papa Ajasco, everything like him, and it is always difficult for me to do it.”
Ayoyinka added that his financial situation has been challenging in recent years. The actor said he previously worked with the Lagos State Ministry of Arts and Culture and retired from the civil service about five years ago.
“Things have never been okay for years now. I was working with the Lagos State arts and culture under state government, now I am a retired officer. I retired five years ago, and it has never been easy for me to move around, to connect with people, always thinking every day. No car of my own, no house,” he said.
The actor also reflected on the payment structure during the production of the long-running comedy series, noting that performers were paid per episode rather than receiving regular salaries.
“It is money, and then if you have a good job, you will get a car for yourself. It is not that easy; they always pay us per episode. At times, we would record eight or nine episodes for the amount. We started with Wale Adenuga with N2,500, which was 1997 per episode.
“Then we began to grow to N3000, N5,000, N20,000, N25,000 and so on and so forth, but it is not easy to collect a pay per episode, they you relax at home and then come back again after the year.”
Ayoyinka became widely known through the comedy series Papa Ajasco & Company, produced by Wale Adenuga Productions. The show developed from an earlier film of the same name directed by Wale Adenuga and released in 1984.
The programme followed the humorous everyday life of Papa Ajasco and his family, including characters such as Mama Ajasco, their son Bobo Ajasco, Boy Alinco, Miss Pepeiye, Pa James and Pa Jimoh.
At its peak, Papa Ajasco & Company became one of Nigeria’s most popular television comedies and was broadcast weekly in about 12 African countries.
