- Wale Adenuga has responded to claims involving actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, defending his production company and dismissing allegations of neglect.
- He clarified issues around brand use, welfare, and work structure, insisting that reports of exploitation are “false and misleading.”
- On welfare concerns, Adenuga disclosed that the actor had benefited from several opportunities over the years
Veteran filmmaker Wale Adenuga has addressed recent controversy surrounding the popular comedy series Papa Ajasco and Company, responding to claims made by actor Abiodun Ayoyinka.
In a detailed statement, Adenuga said his first reaction to a trending video was: “Okay, so this guy has taken Papa Ajasco comedy into the public space!” He added, “It is all well and good. I am happy for him, as his money-making strategy using social media has apparently worked for him.”
He described Ayoyinka as “a versatile actor who has played the role of Papa Ajasco so wonderfully well,” noting that the actor bears “the closest resemblance to the cartoon version of the Papa Ajasco character, which I created on my dining table in 1976.”
Adenuga clarified that there has been no personal conflict between them, stating, “He is very close to me, and so far, there has been no irreconcilable difference between us.”
Addressing public reactions, he said, “Candidly, I want to address the wave of misinformation, emotional commentary, and uninformed public intervention that has followed his recent media interview.”
On welfare concerns, Adenuga disclosed that the actor had benefited from several opportunities over the years. “On the car issue, we once gave him a car – and Pa James as well. He has also used not less than five cars, including a Mercedes-Benz, at different times,” he said, adding that, “to the best of my knowledge, he has a house in Ogun State.”
He also explained restrictions around the use of the Papa Ajasco brand, stating, “He cannot use the copyrighted brand name Papa Ajasco for personal ventures because it is our duty to protect the brand from inappropriate usage that could damage its reputation.”
On claims that the actor is struggling financially, Adenuga questioned, “Now, the question is: why is Abiodun Ayoyinka claiming to be broke?”
He further explained that actors in the series are not restricted from pursuing other jobs. “His colleagues… are always on various film locations, working under their personal names. This clearly shows that artistes working with us are not restricted from taking other roles.”
Providing insight into production, he said, “Abiodun Ayoyinka and other artistes in the TV show are on our set for 6 weeks in a whole year… within the 6 weeks, we record enough episodes to last for a year.”
Adenuga maintained that Wale Adenuga Productions operates professionally, stating, “The organisation pays according to industry standards and ensures all financial obligations are fulfilled as at when due.”
He concluded by dismissing allegations of neglect, saying, “Therefore, any narrative suggesting financial abandonment or exploitation by our organisation is entirely false and misleading.”
Leave a Reply