By Olumide Olanike D | Fact Frontier.
Click here to read more about the reporter.
Veteran actor Abiodun Ayoyinka—famed for playing Papa Ajasco for decades—has publicly rebranded to Bondu Alaska, citing intellectual property restrictions. The character “Papa Ajasco” is a registered trademark owned by Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP) , a fact that limits Ayoyinka’s ability to commercially exploit the persona without the company’s consent.
In a viral video on March 21, 2026, Ayoyinka announced his new identity, explaining that the rebranding frees him to earn a living independently. However, WAP’s principal, Wale Adenuga, later clarified that the actor was never barred from taking on other roles, only from using the trademarked character for unauthorized purposes.
Related news:
• 'I have no car, no house' – Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known as 'Papa Ajasco' lamented.
Adenuga also pushed back against claims Ayoyinka made about his personal circumstances. While the actor had suggested he lacked a car or a home, Adenuga told Punch: “At a point, Abiodun was using a Mercedes-Benz given to him by WAP. He has used over five cars from us.” He added, “He also owns a house in Ogun State, which he acquired with the support of the company.”
The dispute highlights a recurring tension in Nollywood: actors often become synonymous with iconic characters, yet the intellectual property belongs to the production houses that created them. “The brand must be protected from inappropriate usage,” Adenuga stated, while affirming that the relationship with Ayoyinka remains cordial.
For now, Ayoyinka is charting a new path as Bondu Alaska, leveraging his established fan base while operating outside the constraints of the Papa Ajasco trademark.
