Abiodun Ayoyinka, known for his iconic role as Papa Ajasco, has announced a rebrand, adopting a new performing name, ‘Bondu Alaska’.
The change comes amid disputes over the trademark of the ‘Papa Ajasco’ brand, owned by producer Wale Adenuga’s company, Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP).
The controversy began when Ayoyinka revealed he couldn’t commercially leverage the character due to the trademark issue, leading to financial struggles.
WAP responded, stating Ayoyinka can feature in ads with approval, dismissing his claims as a “public show of comedy”.
Ayoyinka’s decision to rebrand has sparked reactions from fans and industry peers.
Some see it as a strategic move to regain control over his career, while others wonder about the impact on his legacy as Papa Ajasco.
The dispute highlights the importance of intellectual property rights in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
With the growing film and TV sector, creators are increasingly protecting their brands and characters.
