I Have Been Suffering – No House, No Car Of My Own, Says Veteran ‘Papa Ajasco’ Actor Abiodun Ayoyinka.

By Henry Ubus.

Veteran Nigerian actor, Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known for playing the famous Papa Ajasco character, has opened up about the hardship he has been facing despite his long career in the entertainment industry.

Ayoyinka made the revelation during a recent interview with content creator Lucky Udu where he lamented that he has been struggling financially and does not own a house or car of his own.

Speaking emotionally during the interview, the veteran actor disclosed that he cannot fully capitalize on the popularity of the “Papa Ajasco” character because the name and character are trademarked by Wale Adenuga through his production company, Wale Adenuga Productions.

According to Ayoyinka, this legal restriction prevents him from using the character’s name to secure endorsements, promotions, or other commercial opportunities.

“I have been suffering. I don’t have a house of my own or even a car,” he said, adding that although many people still recognize him as Papa Ajasco, he cannot use the character to make money because it is trademarked.

The actor rose to fame in the popular Nigerian comedy television series Papa Ajasco and Company, created by Wale Adenuga in 1996. The sitcom became one of the most widely watched comedy programmes in Nigeria and across Africa, featuring memorable characters such as Papa Ajasco, Mama Ajasco, Boy Alinco and Miss Pepeiye.

Ayoyinka played the lead role of the bald-headed, comical family man whose trademark gesture was slapping his head whenever he was shocked or confused by events around him. The character became one of the most recognizable comic figures in Nigerian television history.

His recent revelation has sparked reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing sympathy for the veteran actor and calling for greater support and recognition for pioneers of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Many fans also took to social media to reminisce about the golden era of Nigerian television, with several asking: “How many of you still remember Papa Ajasco?”