Papa Ajasco Actor Expresses Struggles with Financial Hardship

Abiodun Richard Ayoyinka, the veteran actor famous for his role as Papa Ajasco, has expressed his ongoing struggles with financial instability despite having enjoyed a successful career in Nigeria's film industry for many years.

In a recent interview conducted by media personality Lucky Udu, the 65-year- old actor opened up about the challenges he has faced over the years, including the decline of the popular show and his personal hardships.

Ayoyinka highlighted that he hasn't garnered significant opportunities in recent years and stated, "I am suffering; I’ve no house, no car of my own. That is why you don’t see me in adverts or billboards. It is painful." He emphasized that, although people recognize him as Papa Ajasco, this recognition has not translated into financial stability.

During the emotional discussion, he urged devoted fans of the series to keep supporting it, pointing out that viewership has dropped as social media and digital streaming platforms have risen in popularity. "People say they have not been watching Papa Ajasco anymore. It is because of social media and these networks now. Before, people watched us on local television stations, but now we are no longer there," he explained.

Ayoyinka's situation is made more complex by the legacy of the sitcom "Papa Ajasco and Company," which enjoyed widespread popularity in Nigeria during the late '90s and early 2000s. The series, created by the esteemed filmmaker Wale Adenuga, became iconic for its humor and moral lessons, featuring a colorful array of characters, including the unlucky patriarch, Papa Ajasco.

Despite Ayoyinka's long-standing association with the beloved character, he revealed that it has constrained his career. He stated that the character's trademark elements, such as the bald cap and costume, are owned by Wale Adenuga Productions, limiting his ability to take on other roles. This has hindered his prospects in securing roles in advertisements and films.

He shared, "Wale Adenuga has registered that character. Anyone who wants to use me usually wants the Papa Ajasco character with everything that comes with it. It has never been easy. That’s why you don’t see me in adverts or billboards. It is painful."

Ayoyinka, who worked as a cultural officer for the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture before retiring five years ago, mentioned that retirement did not bring the financial relief he had hoped for. He admitted, "Things have not been easy. I keep thinking. I have no car and no house of my own."

The actor disclosed that he used to receive payment per episode of the sitcom and that production has drastically slowed in recent years. He noted that in its heyday, the series produced around 12 episodes a year, but now, shooting new episodes can happen just once every year or even every two years.

"Currently, I earn between ₦45,000 and ₦50,000 per episode, but opportunities to shoot new episodes remain rare," he said, expressing frustration over the circumstances.

Despite the perception of wealth associated with his character, Ayoyinka remarked that the reality is vastly different. "Many Nigerians, including well-known figures like Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, recognize me as Papa Ajasco. However, people mistakenly believe that I am wealthy, but the truth is that the compensation has been insufficient."

He remains committed to preserving the character’s integrity and is actively collaborating with Wale Adenuga on a new project titled “Gen Z Papi,” intended to introduce the Papa Ajasco legacy to a younger audience. Ayoyinka urged companies and producers to provide him with more acting opportunities, stating, "I cherish the name Papa Ajasco and have maintained its reputation."

He acknowledged having stepped back from the show temporarily, while actor Femi Ogunrombi, who passed away in January 2023, was involved in its production prior to Ayoyinka's return.