Veteran actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, widely known as Papa Ajasco from the TV show Papa Ajasco & Company, has revealed the financial struggles behind his iconic role.
Ayoyinka, 66, said he earned N22,500 per episode in 1997, and now, nearly 30 years later in 2026, received N45,000 per episode.
Despite his long career, he still does not own a house or a car.
“Things have never been okay for years now… I don’t have my own house. I don’t have a car”. He added that after retiring about five years ago from his work with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, life has become increasingly difficult.
He explained that the character of Papa Ajasco is registered to the show’s creator, Wale Adenuga, meaning he cannot take on deals or endorsements using the character without permission.
The actor lamented that life has been tough for years, highlighting the unseen struggles of actors behind popular Nigerian TV shows.
-9News Nigeria.
