I Get Paid ₦45k Per Episode; I Have No Car or House Papa Ajasco Star, Abiodun Ayoyinka

Papa Ajasco Actor Abiodun Ayoyinka Reveals He Earns ₦45,000 Per Episode Despite Decades of Fame

Veteran Nigerian actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, widely recognized for his iconic role as Papa Ajasco, has revealed that the character that made him a household name has not brought him the financial success many fans assume.

In a recent interview with podcaster Lucky Udu, Ayoyinka opened up about his earnings from the long-running sitcom Papa Ajasco and Company, sharing that he receives ₦45,000 per episode, despite playing the role for nearly three decades.

According to the actor, the production team typically records up to 13 episodes, which may last for one to two years before another recording cycle. This means the income from the role remains limited over long periods.

“They are paying me ₦45,000 per episode. We record up to 13 episodes, and it lasts till a year or two years,” Ayoyinka explained during the interview.

Copyright Restrictions Limiting Opportunities

Ayoyinka also revealed that the character Papa Ajasco is legally registered by veteran producer Wale Adenuga, who owns the copyright to the show. Because of this, the actor cannot independently use the character for commercial purposes without permission.

This restriction has significantly limited his ability to benefit from the character’s popularity.

“That particular character has been registered by Wale Adenuga. Anybody that wants to use me with the character has to get permission. That’s why you don’t see me on adverts and billboards,” he said.

The actor added that the copyright attached to the character prevents him from appearing in advertisements, brand endorsements, or public promotions using the persona that made him famous.

Life After Retirement Has Been Difficult

Beyond acting, Ayoyinka previously worked with the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, where he served as a civil servant. However, since retiring five years ago, he says life has been financially challenging.

“I retired five years ago, and things have not been easy for me. I don’t have a car or house of my own,” he revealed.

Since leaving public service, portraying Papa Ajasco has become his primary source of income, though the earnings remain modest compared to the fame attached to the character.

A Cultural Icon of Nigerian Television

The revelation has surprised many fans who grew up watching Papa Ajasco and Company, one of Nigeria’s most beloved sitcoms during the 1990s and early 2000s.

The show, produced by Wale Adenuga Productions, featured a cast of colorful characters including the notorious womanizer Boy Alinco. Papa Ajasco himself became instantly recognizable for his bald head, pot belly, shirt-and-tie tucked into a wrapper, and comedic expressions.

At its peak, the series was among the flagship productions of the studio, alongside other popular Nigerian TV series such as Super Story and This Life.

A Recurring Trend Among Nollywood Veterans

Ayoyinka’s story highlights a broader issue within Nigeria’s entertainment industry many veteran actors who helped shape Nollywood’s early success often struggle financially later in life.

In 2024, Nollywood legends Amaechi Muonagor and John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, publicly sought financial assistance while battling serious health issues before their eventual passing.

More recently, actress Halima Abubakar also appealed to the public for help to fund urgent brain and spleen surgery, drawing attention again to the financial instability many industry veterans face.

Ayoyinka’s candid revelation has reignited conversations about actors’ welfare, royalties, and intellectual property rights in Nigeria’s film and television industry, especially for performers whose characters become cultural icons but remain legally owned by production studios.