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Wale Adenuga says ‘Papa Ajasco’ Lied About Financial Hardships

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.

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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.

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Entertainment

Nigerian-British Singer Talay Riley Dies in London Stabbing, Others Mourn

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Grammy-winning Nigerian-British singer and songwriter Talay Riley, whose real name was Mark Yinka Orabiyi, has been stabbed to death at the age of 35 in East London, sparking an active murder investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

Emergency services responded to reports of a stabbing around 9 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, at a property on Pankhurst Avenue in Silvertown. Riley was found with multiple stab wounds in the garden of the property and was pronounced dead at the scene despite paramedics’ efforts.

A second man was also injured in the incident and hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries. Police arrested three individuals nearby on suspicion of murder; two have since been released, while a 27-year-old man remains on bail pending further inquiries.

Born in Nigeria and based in the UK, Talay Riley was renowned as a hit songwriter who collaborated with global stars including Dua Lipa, Usher, Chris Brown, Britney Spears, Nick Jonas, and Khalid. He also worked closely with Craig David on the 2018 album The Time Is Now.

Tributes have poured in from the music industry. British rapper Stormzy commented, “I’m sorry, bro.” Craig David wrote: “Sending so much love to you and the family. His beautiful energy will continue to be felt and shown from the other side.”

In a family statement, relatives described Riley as a “beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend whose kindness, talent, and spirit touched many lives.” They added: “We will always cherish his kindness, beautiful spirit, and remarkable talent.”

Homicide detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation and have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

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Legendary Beauty and the Beast singer Peabo Bryson dies at 75

As news of his passing spread, fans and fellow artists took to social media to share tributes, celebrating a career that bridged decades, genres, and cultures, leaving behind a timeless body of work that continues to resonate with listeners worldwide.

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The velvet-voiced R&B balladeer and two-time Grammy Award winner, Peabo Bryson whose soaring duets defined a generation of Disney classics, has died at 75.

Bryson is survived by his wife, Tanya Boniface Bryson, his children, and his grandchildren.

His family confirmed that the singer passed away peacefully on the evening of Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

The news follows reports from earlier in the week that Bryson had been receiving medical care after suffering a stroke.

In a heartfelt statement, his family expressed both their grief and their gratitude for the life he lived.

“For more than five decades, Peabo’s extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments,” the statement read.

“His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories, and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration, creating a legacy that will forever live in the hearts of those who loved him and the countless lives he touched through song.”

Born Robert Peapo Bryson on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina, he began his professional musical journey in the 1970s.

Over the course of his distinguished career, he established himself as one of R&B’s most consistent and respected performers, celebrated for his smooth tenor and emotional range.

While his solo catalog featured numerous hits—including “Feel the Fire,” “I’m So Into You,” and “Can You Stop the Rain”—Bryson gained international fame for his legendary collaborations. He is perhaps best known for his work on two of Disney’s most iconic animated films:

“Beauty and the Beast” (1991) where his duet with Celine Dion -the film’s title track- and earned him his first Grammy Award.

Also, “A Whole New World” (1992) which is his collaboration with Regina Belle for Aladdin became a global phenomenon, winning him a second Grammy and cementing his status as a master of the romantic power ballad.

Beyond his commercial success, peers and colleagues remembered Bryson for his deep passion for his craft and his genuine connection to his fans.

Comedian and television host Loni Love, reflecting on a recent encounter with the singer on a cruise ship, described him as someone who spoke with immense love for his music and shared stories with profound warmth.

As news of his passing spread, fans and fellow artists took to social media to share tributes, celebrating a career that bridged decades, genres, and cultures, leaving behind a timeless body of work that continues to resonate with listeners worldwide.

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Kanye West performs to 118,000 in Turkey, heads to the Netherlands

The 48-year-old rapper is set to perform in the Netherlands on June 6 and 8.

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• Kanye West

US rapper Kanye West on Saturday performed for two hours in Istanbul’s Ataturk Olympic Stadium to an audience of 118,000, state-run Anadolu Agency said.

Among the audience were fans from Britain, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Russia, Poland and the Middle East, Anadolu said.

The 48-year-old rapper is set to perform in the Netherlands on June 6 and 8.

Ye has faced a global ‌backlash, ⁠not least for his release of “Heil Hitler”, a song promoting Nazism.

In April, Britain denied Ye entry on grounds that his presence would not be conducive to the public good, forcing the cancellation of a planned appearance ⁠at the Wireless Festival in London.

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