Wale Adenuga, the veteran filmmaker, has opened up on the reason for the removal and eventual return of Abiodun Ayoyinka as the face of Papa Ajasco.
In a recent interview, Adenuga said the actor was removed from the role for what he called serious misconduct, including an attempt to claim ownership of the brand.
He explained that Ayoyinka once organised a tour using the Papa Ajasco name without telling the production team, which was a clear violation.
The issue arose when the Nigerian Copyright Commission reportedly told them that the actor had tried to register the Papa Ajasco name himself, even though the producers already owned it legally.
“That level of betrayal led to his dismissal,” Adenuga said.
The development, which had sparked widespread debate at the time, saw the actor replaced before he was later reinstated, a decision Adenuga said was driven by practicality rather than emotion.
“I understand the psychology of actors. Sometimes the most talented can also be the most difficult,” he explained.
“As a producer, you sometimes have to choose between talent and temperament.”
He admitted that despite the issues, Ayoyinka’s talent made him hard to ignore.
“Despite everything, I would still work with him because he is a good actor,” he added.
Adenuga further addressed broader concerns about the entertainment industry’s changing landscape, noting that his productions have adapted to the digital era.
“Our content is now on social media. Some productions like Akpan and Oduma are distributed primarily on YouTube, while WAPTV also has an online presence and app,” he said.
On the growing debate over royalties and actors’ welfare, the veteran producer acknowledged that the current system needs improvement but insisted the burden should not fall solely on producers.
“I agree that actors should benefit more in a structured system,” he said, backing calls for the establishment of a regulatory body to oversee the industry.
According to him, a properly structured system would ensure royalties and long-term welfare for actors, rather than leaving such responsibilities to individual producers.
“It is not the sole responsibility of producers to manage long-term welfare. A proper industry structure would ensure that everyone is taken care of,” he stated.
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