Veteran Comedian Papa Ajasco Receives Presidential Recognition in Lagos Following Public Revelations of Financial Hardship

Veteran actor spotted at Lagos airport days after revealing ₦45,000 salary.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 20, 2026, 4:29 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Legit.ng

Presidential Recognition for Veteran Actor at Lagos Airport

In a moment of significant public visibility, veteran Nigerian comedian Abiodun Ayoyinka, widely known by his stage name Papa Ajasco, was identified among the dignitaries welcoming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu back to Lagos. The President, returning from a state visit to the United Kingdom on Thursday, March 19, specifically acknowledged the actor during the airport reception. Video footage of the event shows the President beckoning to Ayoyinka personally as he made his way to his official vehicle, a gesture that stood out amid the formal proceedings of the cultural welcoming troupe.

Stagnant Wages Highlight Struggles of Household Name

This high profile interaction comes just days after Ayoyinka opened up about the sobering financial realities of his long career. The actor revealed that despite his status as a household name, his earnings have seen only a marginal increase over nearly three decades. According to Ayoyinka, his pay moved from ₦22,500 in 1997 to just ₦45,000 today, a disclosure that has sparked intense debate regarding the compensation of legacy entertainers in the Nigerian creative sector.

Contractual Limits on Iconic Character Usage

Beyond his direct earnings, Ayoyinka detailed the structural challenges that prevent him from leveraging his fame for personal gain. He explained that the "Papa Ajasco" character, including the specific costume and identity, is the registered intellectual property of Wale Adenuga. Consequently, the veteran performer is legally barred from using the persona for independent commercial ventures or endorsements without express permission. This lack of ownership has left the actor in a precarious financial position despite the continued popularity of the television series.