Papa Ajasco Feud Erupts as Wale Adenuga Denies Actor’s Poverty Claims

A public dispute between veteran Nollywood producer Wale Adenuga and beloved actor Abiodun Ayoyinka — better known to generations of Nigerian viewers as Papa Ajasco — has sparked widespread debate this week. Ayoyinka made headlines when he alleged at a public appearance that he was financially destitute despite having spent years as the face of one of Nigeria’s most beloved television franchises. He further claimed that he lacked the rights to commercially use the Papa Ajasco character or brand. Adenuga, the Chief Executive of Wale Adenuga Productions, has firmly rejected those claims, stating publicly that Ayoyinka’s portrayal of poverty is inaccurate and disputing the actor’s characterisation of the intellectual property arrangement. The fallout has sparked a broader conversation in Nigerian entertainment circles about the treatment of on-screen talent, the ownership of iconic characters and the financial welfare of veteran performers whose work has defined popular culture for decades. Legal and industry observers have noted that the dispute highlights significant gaps in how talent contracts and IP rights are structured and communicated in Nollywood. Many have expressed sympathy for Ayoyinka while calling for a transparent resolution. The Nigerian Actors Guild has not yet issued an official statement on the matter, but sources indicate that the organisation is monitoring the situation.