Trademark Dispute Forces ‘Papa Ajasco’ Star to Adopt New Identity

Trademark Dispute Forces ‘Papa Ajasco’ Star to Adopt New Identity

Veteran Nigerian comic actor Abiodun Ayoyinka has announced a major shift in his career, revealing that he will no longer perform under the popular “Papa Ajasco” persona due to an ongoing trademark dispute.

The actor disclosed in a video shared on Instagram that he has now adopted a new stage name, “Bondu Alaska,” citing restrictions tied to the commercial use of the iconic character.

Ayoyinka, who rose to fame through the widely watched television series Papa Ajasco & Company, said the inability to freely monetise the brand has affected his earnings and contributed to financial challenges in recent years.

According to him, the trademark ownership of the “Papa Ajasco” character has limited his capacity to use the identity for independent business engagements, prompting the decision to rebrand.

However, the creator of the franchise, Wale Adenuga, offered a different perspective on the issue. He clarified that while Ayoyinka cannot independently use the “Papa Ajasco” brand for personal commercial ventures, he remains eligible to feature in projects and advertisements with the approval of the production company.

Adenuga also dismissed some of the actor’s earlier claims as exaggerated, describing them as a “public show of comedy” rather than a reflection of the full situation. Despite the disagreement, he maintained that his relationship with Ayoyinka remains cordial.

The development marks a turning point for Ayoyinka, whose portrayal of the humorous, bald-headed character made him a household name across Nigeria for decades.

Industry observers say the dispute highlights the growing importance of intellectual property rights in Nigeria’s entertainment sector, particularly as actors and content creators seek greater control over the commercial value of the characters they bring to life.