Veteran Nigerian comic actor Abiodun Ayoyinka has announced a major career shift, retiring his long-standing “Papa Ajasco” persona and adopting the new stage name “Bondu Alaska.”
Ayoyinka revealed the change in a video shared on Instagram, citing ongoing disputes over the commercial use of the “Papa Ajasco” trademark, which is owned by producer Wale Adenuga.
He explained that trademark restrictions had prevented him from fully monetizing the character that brought him national fame.
The actor also opened up about personal challenges, noting that he has faced financial difficulties in recent years, which contributed to his decision to rebrand.
Responding to Ayoyinka’s announcement, Adenuga clarified that while the actor cannot independently use the “Papa Ajasco” brand for private ventures, he remains permitted to appear in advertisements with the approval of Wale Adenuga Productions.
Adenuga described Ayoyinka’s earlier statements as a “public show of comedy” and a distortion of facts, suggesting the actor may be leveraging social media narratives for financial gain.
Despite the disagreement, Adenuga emphasised that his professional relationship with Ayoyinka remains cordial.
Ayoyinka rose to prominence through his role in the long-running television series “Papa Ajasco & Company,” an offshoot of the 1984 film of the same name created and directed by Adenuga.
The rebranding marks a new phase for the actor as he seeks to redefine his career beyond one of Nigeria’s most iconic comic characters.
