Abiodun Ayoyinka, the man behind Papa Ajasco, has opened up about life off-camera, and it’s not as easy as fans might think.
In a recent interview with Lucky Udu, shared widely on Instagram, Ayoyinka spoke about the struggles he has faced despite decades of making Nigerians laugh.
“I don’t have a car of my own. I don’t have a house of my own,” he said, admitting that the fame from Papa Ajasco hasn’t automatically brought comfort.
The actor earns around ₦45,000 to ₦60,000 per episode, which is far less than most people assume for someone so well-known.
He also explained that being tied to one character has its downsides.
Since Wale Adenuga owns the rights to Papa Ajasco, Ayoyinka can’t freely use the role for ads or other deals, which limits his earning options outside the show.
Fans reacted strongly on Instagram.
Many were surprised to see the man who has been part of their childhood quietly struggling behind the scenes.
Some expressed sympathy, while others started conversations about how veteran actors in Nigeria often get overlooked, even when they’ve given us the shows we still enjoy today.
Papa Ajasco & Company, airing since 1996, is one of Nigeria’s longest-running sitcoms.
Ayoyinka’s story shows that being famous doesn’t always mean being comfortable, and behind the laughs is a person dealing with real, everyday challenges.