Entertainment
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.
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.
The actor died after battle with Cancer
Popular Yoruba Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, widely known as Ogogo, has died at the age of 66.
The veteran actor passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026, after a prolonged battle with stage 4 cancer. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Kira (also referred to as Kaira) Taiwo, during an emotional Instagram Live session in which she said, “My daddy is dead.”
The news was also announced by industry figures, including Best of Nollywood awards founder Seun Oloketuyi, who wrote: “Taiwo Hassan Ogogo is dead. He finally lost the battle of life.” Fellow actor Jide Kosoko and others also confirmed the development.
Ogogo’s family had recently appealed for specialised medical help after doctors said chemotherapy was no longer viable. Earlier rumours of his death earlier in the week were debunked by the family.
Born on October 31, 1959, in Ilaro, Ogun State, Taiwo Hassan became one of the most recognisable faces in Yoruba cinema over a career spanning more than three decades. He was celebrated for memorable roles as warriors, stern fathers, chiefs and other powerful characters that helped shape modern Yoruba filmmaking.
His passing has drawn tributes from fans, colleagues and members of the Nollywood community mourning the loss of a veteran who entertained millions.
Entertainment
US Actress Hayden Panettiere Dies At 36
Born in 1989, Panettiere became a child star and went on to have numerous roles in both film and TV.
Her credits include “Remember The Titans,” “Ice Princess,” “Scream 4” and “Scream VI.”
•Hayden Panettiere
Hayden Panettiere, an actress known for her roles in popular TV series “Heroes” and “Nashville,” has died aged 36.
Her father confirmed the actress’ death in a statement to ABC News.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen,” he said.
He asked that her family be given privacy while they “process this unimaginable loss.”
Details about her death were not immediately given, but news outlet TMZ said there was an “open investigation” into the cause.
Born in 1989, Panettiere became a child star and went on to have numerous roles in both film and TV. Her credits include “Remember The Titans,” “Ice Princess,” “Scream 4” and “Scream VI.”
Entertainment
Disney agrees deal to let TikTokers use its films and TV shows in videos
The scheme will be launched in the US before being rolled out to other countries.
Image: PIXAR/ BBC
Disney and TikTok have agreed a deal which will allow creators to use clips from Disney films, including its subsidiaries, in their videos.
It means clips from hit franchises like Star Wars, Toy Story and the Marvel Cinematic Universe will soon start popping up in videos – which will also be shared on Disney’s short-form video platform, Verts.
The scheme will be launched in the US before being rolled out to other countries.
Neither company shared financial details of the agreement, although it follows the collapse of a $1bn (£745m) deal between Disney and OpenAI which would have let people use its characters in AI-generated videos.
Source: BBC NEWS
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