Veteran Nigerian actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, widely recognised for his role as Papa Ajasco in the popular television sitcom Papa Ajasco & Company, has revealed how the trademark on the character has negatively affected his career and financial opportunities.
Speaking about his experience, Ayoyinka explained that although the character brought him widespread fame, the fact that it is legally registered by the show’s producers has prevented him from using the role for commercial engagements outside the programme.
According to him, many organisations want to feature him in advertisements and other projects specifically as the Papa Ajasco character, but the trademark restrictions make such opportunities difficult to pursue.
“That particular character has been registered,” he said. “Whenever people want to work with me, they usually want the full Papa Ajasco character. But it has not been easy because I cannot freely use it.”
He added that the legal ownership of the character means he must seek permission from the producers before using the name or appearance associated with it.
“I don’t have the right to use the name unless I obtain permission. Because of that, my opportunities have been limited,” he explained, noting that this is one of the reasons he rarely appears in advertisements or brand promotions.
Ayoyinka also shared details about the personal challenges he has faced in recent years, especially after retiring from the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture about five years ago.
He disclosed that life has not been easy since his retirement, adding that he currently does not own a house or a car.
The actor gained national prominence through Papa Ajasco & Company, a long-running Nigerian comedy series created by Wale Adenuga. First aired in 1996, the sitcom became one of the country’s most beloved television programmes, portraying the humorous everyday experiences of the Ajasco family.
The Papa Ajasco character became famous for his distinctive bald head and comic reactions, particularly his signature gesture of repeatedly tapping his head during surprising or awkward moments.
Ayoyinka was the original actor to portray the role before it was later played for a period by the late actor Femi Ogunrombi.
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