Papa Ajasco Vs Wale Adenuga: What Really Happened? The Full Story Explained

For decades, Papa Ajasco was more than just a character – he was a Nigerian cultural icon. The bald-headed, ever-struggling patriarch in Wale Adenuga Productions’ long-running sitcom Papa Ajasco and Company brought laughter to millions across generations. But in March 2026, the man behind the iconic role, 65-year-old Abiodun Richard Ayoyinka, shocked the nation with raw revelations that sparked nationwide debate, public donations, official rebuttals, and now a dramatic personal rebrand.

NaijaChoice News breaks it all down – the interview that went viral, the production company’s fiery response, the support that poured in, and the latest twist that has fans asking: Is this the end of an era?

The Viral Interview That Started It All

In an emotional sit-down with media personality Lucky Udu (which exploded online around mid-March 2026), Ayoyinka laid bare his struggles despite years of fame.

“I am suffering. Things have not been easy. I am always thinking. I have no car of my own and no house of my own,” he said, adding that many Nigerians assume “Papa Ajasco is a millionaire or billionaire, but the remuneration is very poor.”

He revealed current pay is ₦45,000 to ₦50,000 per episode (with early episodes in the late 1990s reportedly starting as low as ₦2,500, rising gradually over the years). Filming, he explained, is far from consistent: “Sometimes we shoot once in a year or even once in two years.” Production used to deliver about 12 episodes annually when active, but the shift from terrestrial TV (like African Independence Television) to social media and streaming has left gaps that make income unreliable.

Crucially, Ayoyinka pointed to the ownership of the character itself: “Papa Ajasco” is trademarked by Wale Adenuga Productions. “Anyone who wants to use me usually wants the Papa Ajasco character with everything that comes with it… That is why you don’t see me in adverts or billboards. It is painful.” He still works with the company on a new revival project called Gen Z Papi, but the restrictions have limited side gigs.

The 65-year-old veteran – a retired civil servant who served over 30 years with the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture – appealed directly to fans: “Keep on watching Papa Ajasco. I still need you.”

Public Reaction, Donations, and King Mitchy’s Generosity

The interview triggered an outpouring of sympathy. Ayoyinka’s bank details quickly circulated online, and donations flooded in from concerned Nigerians who grew up on the show.

Content creator and philanthropist King Mitchy took it further. Just days later, she visited the actor personally and gifted him over ₦2 million in cash – a moment captured on video that left many emotional as the veteran prayed for her success.

Wale Adenuga Productions Claps Back: “Claims Are False and Misleading”

Wale Adenuga himself (or through the company) issued a detailed response within days, describing much of the backlash as driven by “misinformation and emotional commentary.”

Key points from the statement:

The relationship remains cordial – “He is very close to me, and so far there has been no irreconcilable difference between us.”

Ayoyinka is not in distress. The company once provided him a car (and one to co-star Pa James too). He has used not less than five cars, including a Mercedes-Benz, at different times.

To the best of Adenuga’s knowledge, the actor owns a house in Ogun State.

Payments follow industry standards, with all obligations met promptly. Cast members typically film for about six weeks a year, leaving time for other work.

On the trademark: “Papa Ajasco” is registered to protect the brand. Ayoyinka cannot use the name freely for personal deals, but he can take advertising jobs with official approval from WAP.

Extra jab: As a retired civil servant of over 30 years, “What happened to his gratuities?” Other cast members (Pa James, Mama Ajasco, Boy Alinco, etc.) successfully work under their real names in other productions.

Adenuga even added a light note: He was happy Ayoyinka had turned the situation into a social media “money-making strategy.”

Pa James Speaks: “Them No Dey Owe Us Money at All”

Another longtime cast member, Pa James (real name Kayode Olasehinde Ajirebi), gave his own interview with Lucky Udu amid the saga. He painted a very different picture:

“Anytime they call for work, we dey go… And them no dey owe us money at all. Even if na meeting, after that meeting, he go still pay you.”

Pa James recalled starting at ₦2,500 per episode (with increases over time) and credited the show with helping him buy a car. He described celebrating 25 years of the series as one of his proudest moments and confirmed he still works with WAP regularly.

His positive testimony led some social media users to joke that “Pa James dey fear” or was being careful not to seem ungrateful.

The Latest Twist: Papa Ajasco Rebrands as Bondu Alaska

Just when the dust seemed to settle, Ayoyinka dropped a bombshell on March 21, 2026.

In a fresh Instagram video, the veteran introduced himself with a brand-new identity:

“Ladies and gentlemen, good morning Nigerians, my name is Bondu Alaska, the one and only Bondu Alaska. I am a new person now and I promise I will not let you down.”

Fans immediately linked the move to the trademark restrictions on “Papa Ajasco.” Comments poured in – some congratulating the “new life,” others insisting “Na Papa Ajasco we know” or suggesting alternatives like “Baba Alaska.”

What It All Means

NaijaChoice News recalls that Papa Ajasco and Company was never just entertainment – it was a mirror of everyday Nigerian family life, teaching morals through comedy. The saga has exposed deeper issues in the industry: the value placed on veteran actors, the power of trademarks versus personal branding, and the harsh reality that fame doesn’t always equal financial security, especially in an era dominated by social media and short-form content.

Both sides agree the relationship is still intact, and Ayoyinka continues working with WAP on new projects. Yet the public divide remains: some see a veteran fighting for his due, others view the claims as exaggerated given the support and assets mentioned.

As Bondu Alaska steps into the spotlight, one thing is clear – the man who made Nigeria laugh for decades is refusing to fade quietly. Whether under the old name or the new one, his story continues to spark conversations about legacy, loyalty, and livelihood in Nollywood.