‘I bought my first car from Papa Ajasco; they didn't owe us' — Pa James

If you are a fan of the series ‘Papa Ajasco and Company’, you would recognize Pa James, the beloved counterpart to the main character, Papa Ajasco.

Portrayed by Kayode Olasehinde, Pa James is depicted as a balding, somewhat foolish character whose antics often lead to humorous situations.

Despite the popularity of both characters, recent claims hinting at financial challenges faced by veteran actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, who plays Papa Ajasco, have surfaced.

In a recent discussion, Ayoyinka revealed that the affluent image of his character starkly contrasts with his own financial reality.

"People think of Papa Ajasco as a millionaire, but the pay is quite low," he stated.

Contrarily, Wale Adenuga, the esteemed producer and creator of the series, rejected Ayoyinka's assertions.

Olasehinde has now offered insights into the perceived financial difficulties, arguing that the show's characters are not poorly managed as suggested by Ayoyinka.

During an appearance on the Lucky Udu Experience show, he expressed gratitude towards Wale Adenuga Productions, stating that he has benefited significantly from ‘Papa Ajasco and Company’.

“I must say, Wale Adenuga has done a lot for us. I remember the day I was called for a part in ‘Papa Ajasco and Company’. The show had a long history, with Peter Fatomilola as the first Papa Ajasco. When they revamped it for television, many of us were invited to join,” he recounted.

He added, “Initially, I thought it would just be a short project, but it extended over a lengthy period. They always ensured we were compensated on time.

For instance, if there was a meeting, regardless of its length, we received payment. Celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of Papa Ajasco brought me great joy.”

Moreover, Olasehinde mentioned that his involvement in the series facilitated significant milestones in his life, including acquiring his first vehicle.

“I gained a lot from my role; it gave me recognition. From my work on ‘Papa Ajasco and Company’, I managed to buy a car and accomplish various important things,” he shared.

In response to his colleague Ayoyinka’s claims of poverty, Olasehinde pointed out that periods of frequent filming enabled them to earn more previously.

"Before, we quickly got jobs, but now, after recording a few episodes, it could take years before we are contacted again. Under Wale Adenuga, we never had to wait for long between jobs, as they now have WAP TV, limiting program spread across various networks. That's likely the reason for this change,” he explained.

He continued, “Regarding driving, I don’t have a driver’s license, but the first car I bought was through Wale Adenuga. It was a Nissan Bluebird, acquired with a loan, which I repaid in three installments, with deductions made from my salary.”

He further mentioned the legal restrictions he faces regarding his character. Though he can work in various productions, he cannot be referred to as Pa James elsewhere since the name is registered under Wale Adenuga’s ownership.

He elaborated that similar legalities apply to Ayoyinka's character. The critical distinction lies in appearances, as Pa James is naturally bald, while Ayoyinka is not; thus, his image is also tied to the official branding of the character.

This situation illustrates the complexities surrounding identity and branding in the Nigerian entertainment industry.