Papa Ajasco Actor: No House, No Car After 30 Years

Veteran Nollywood thespian Abiodun Ayoyinka, the face behind the beloved Papa Ajasco character in the long-running sitcom Papa Ajasco and Company, has bared his soul on the biting financial hardship staring him in the face despite decades of bringing laughter to millions of Nigerian homes.

NaijaChoice News reports that the 65-year-old actor, who retired from the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture five years ago, opened up during a heartfelt interview with popular media personality Lucky Udu, painting a grim picture of life after stardom.

Ayoyinka disclosed that at the peak of the show’s popularity back in 1997, he was paid just ₦22,500 per episode by Wale Adenuga Productions. Today, in 2026, his pay has only crawled to between ₦45,000 and ₦60,000 per episode — an amount he says falls below the current national minimum wage when shoots are few and far between.

“The programme no longer records regularly. Sometimes they call us once a year, sometimes once in two years. So how do you survive?” the actor lamented, stressing that the irregular schedule has left him struggling to keep body and soul together.

But beyond the meagre pay, Ayoyinka revealed the real trap that has kept him from cashing in on his fame. The Papa Ajasco character, complete with the iconic name, mannerisms and costume, is a registered trademark owned by Wale Adenuga Productions. This means the veteran cannot use the role for any personal endorsement, advert or public appearance without express permission from the production house.

“That character is a very strong character. Anyone that wants to use me outside wants me as Papa Ajasco, but I cannot use the name or costume without permission,” he explained. “The major problem why people are not seeing me is because that particular character has been registered by Wale Adenuga.”

The revelation has shocked many fans who grew up watching the family comedy that became a household name across Nigeria and beyond. Created by renowned producer Wale Adenuga, the series has remained one of the longest-running TV sitcoms in the country, yet its lead actor says the fame has not translated into wealth.

In a heartbreaking moment during the interview, Ayoyinka admitted he owns neither a house nor a car after over 30 years in the industry and years of civil service.

“I don’t have a car of my own. I don’t have a house of my own. Things have never been okay for years now,” he stated plainly.

NaijaChoice News notes that Ayoyinka’s story is throwing fresh spotlight on the plight of many veteran actors in Nollywood who gave their best years to iconic roles only to retire into financial uncertainty. While the entertainment industry continues to boom with new streaming platforms and big-budget movies, veterans tied to older productions often find themselves locked out of the bigger money.

Fans have taken to social media calling on Wale Adenuga Productions and well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the man who made “Papa Ajasco” a national treasure. As the 65-year-old actor continues to wait for better days, his cry has become a loud reminder that fame in Nigeria’s movie world does not always pay the bills.