Veteran filmmaker and Chief Executive Officer of Wale Adenuga Productions, Wale Adenuga, has countered claims by actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known as Papa Ajasco, that he is facing financial hardship.

Ayoyinka recently stirred reactions online after claiming that he was broke despite his long-running role in the popular television series Papa Ajasco and Company.

Reacting in a statement on Wednesday, Adenuga described the claims as “false and misleading.”

Adenuga explains that Ayoyinka has not been barred from taking up advertising jobs, and that he is only required to seek official approval in line with brand protection policies tied to the Papa Ajasco and Company franchise.

He described Ayoyinka as a versatile actor who bears a striking resemblance to the original Papa Ajasco character he created in 1976, noting that there has been no serious disagreement between them.

Providing background, Adenuga explained that Ayoyinka had a long career as a civil servant with the Lagos State Government, where he served for over three decades and was part of the state’s cultural troupe.

He said, “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.

“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.

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 allegations of neglect, Adenuga said the production company had supported the actor over the years.

“We gave him a car at some point, just as we did for Pa James. He has also used several vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz. To the best of my knowledge, he also owns a house in Ogun State,” he said.

Questioning claims of financial hardship, he asked: “Why is Abiodun Ayoyinka claiming to be broke? Where are the investments from his over 30 years of meritorious service… What happened to his gratuities?”

Adenuga also noted that other cast members of the series, including Pa James and other popular characters, continue to take on independent roles outside the show.

He added that actors typically spend only about six weeks annually on set, giving them ample time for other ventures.

Veteran Nollywood actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known for his role as Papa Ajasco, laments that despite his long career in the film industry, he currently does not own a house or a car.

“I don’t have a car of my own. I don’t have a house of my own,” he said.

Ayoyinka, who retired from the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture about five years ago, said that the situation highlights the financial struggles many veteran actors face in the Nigerian film industry.

Ayoyinka disclosed that while starring in the long-running television series Papa Ajasco & Company, he was paid ₦22,500 per episode at the peak of the programme’s popularity.

He added that his current earnings from the show range between ₦45,000 and ₦60,000 per episode, noting that the irregular production schedule makes it difficult to earn a steady income.

According to the actor, he was paid ₦22,500 per episode at the peak of the programme’s popularity.

The actor explained that the series typically records only a limited number of episodes each year, significantly reducing his overall earnings.

Ayoyinka also raised concerns about the restrictions tied to the Papa Ajasco character, explaining that the name and costume are registered trademarks of Wale Adenuga Productions.

As a result, he said he cannot use the character for personal endorsements or public appearances without the production company’s permission.“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 said.

In a historic moment at the 98th Academy Awards, Michael B. Jordan took home the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his powerful dual performance in the film Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler.

The victory marks Jordan’s first Academy Award win and first nomination in his career. He portrayed twin brothers Smoke and Stack in the supernatural vampire allegory, a role that blended intense drama, racial commentary, and genre elements in the blockbuster hit.

Jordan triumphed over a competitive field that included nominees such as Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Ethan Hawke.

The category was widely seen as one of the evening’s closest races, with four of the five contenders vying for their first Oscar.

Accepting the award to a roaring ovation at the Dolby Theatre, Jordan delivered an emotional speech. “God is good,” he began, before expressing deep gratitude: “I stand here because of the people who came before me,” acknowledging trailblazers like Denzel Washington and Halle Berry.

He thanked his family, the film’s team, and supporters throughout his journey, noting the significance of the milestone as one of the few Black actors to win in the category joining legends such as Sidney Poitier and Washington and the first to earn the honor for portraying twins.

Sinners, a critical and commercial success, also earned recognition in other categories, including a win for Original Screenplay for Coogler.

Jordan’s performance was praised for its depth and versatility, contributing to the film’s strong awards momentum.

The win solidifies Jordan’s transition from acclaimed actor and producer to Oscar-winning talent, capping a celebrated night for the film and its collaborators.