Veteran Actor Abiodun Ayoyinka Speaks on Challenges in Nollywood, Calls for Greater Support for Industry Legends

 

Veteran Nigerian actor, Abiodun Ayoyinka, widely known for his iconic role as Papa Ajasco in the popular Nigerian comedy series Papa Ajasco & Company, has opened up about the financial struggles he has faced despite decades of entertaining millions of Nigerians.

Speaking in a recent interview, the 65-year-old actor revealed that he earned ₦22,500 per episode when he started acting in the series in 1997. According to him, the current payment per episode has only increased to ₦45,000 in 2026, a situation he described as challenging considering the rising cost of living and the long years he has dedicated to the entertainment industry.

Ayoyinka also shared that despite his popularity and long-standing contribution to Nigerian television, he is yet to own a personal house or car, emphasizing that life has not been easy for him over the years.

The actor further explained that he is unable to independently accept commercial deals or endorsements under the “Papa Ajasco” character without authorization from the creator of the show, renowned media entrepreneur Wale Adenuga, whose company Wale Adenuga Productions owns the rights to the character and the long-running television series.

The revelation has sparked fresh conversations within the Nigerian entertainment industry about the welfare, remuneration, and long-term support for veteran actors who played major roles in shaping early Nollywood and television comedy.

Many fans and stakeholders have expressed admiration for Ayoyinka’s enduring contribution to comedy and storytelling in Nigeria, while also calling for greater recognition and improved welfare structures for pioneers who helped build the industry.

Papa Ajasco & Company remains one of Nigeria’s most beloved family comedy shows, entertaining audiences for decades and producing some of the country’s most memorable television characters.

Observers say the conversation sparked by Ayoyinka’s remarks could encourage renewed dialogue on fair compensation, intellectual property rights, and the protection of veteran talents within Nigeria’s creative sector.