Veteran Nigerian actor, Kayode Olasehinde, widely recognized for his beloved role as “Pa James” in the popular television sitcom Papa Ajasco and Company, has opened up about the financial realities of working on the long-running show.
In a recent interview with podcaster Lucky Udu, Olasehinde shed light on his enduring professional relationship with Wale Adenuga, the executive producer of the series.
While expressing deep gratitude for the platform that propelled him to national fame, he also highlighted the pressing need for actors to maintain alternative sources of income to survive the industry’s inconsistent production schedules.
Reflecting on his journey, Olasehinde credited Adenuga for significantly boosting his career.
“I still work with Wale Adenuga. He has been good to me. Working with him gave me popularity even more than when I was in Yoruba movies.
“On the money aspect, he really tried for me. I bought my first car when I started working with him,” he shared during the interview.
However, the actor pointed out that the frequency of film shoots has drastically reduced over the years.
“Before, we used to work back-to-back, but now, once we shoot some episodes, they might not call us again for two years,” he revealed.
Due to the unpredictable nature of the production, Olasehinde advised his colleagues in the industry to secure side hustles to meet their financial obligations.
He disclosed that his current remuneration from the show is N45,000 per episode, a significant increase from the N2,500 he earned when he first started, but still insufficient given that they only shoot about 10 episodes a year.
He further explained the strict trademark rules surrounding his character.
“I can work in other movies, but I must not bear Pa James because the name has been trademarked,” he added.
Olasehinde’s candid revelations come on the heels of similar public comments made by Abiodun Ayoyinka, the lead actor who plays the title character, “Papa Ajasco.”
Less than a week ago, Ayoyinka publicly disclosed that he is facing severe financial difficulties and appealed to Nigerians for aid. He alleged that Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP) restricted him from commercially leveraging the Papa Ajasco persona outside the original show, severely limiting his income opportunities.
Wale Adenuga has since responded to Ayoyinka’s claims, dismissing the actor’s remarks about career struggles as a “public show of comedy” and a distortion of the facts.
Adenuga stated that Ayoyinka is permitted to take on advertising roles provided he secures WAP’s approval.
The producer also questioned the legitimacy of Ayoyinka’s financial hardship claims, pointing to the actor’s long-standing career in the civil service and his continued opportunities within the entertainment sector.
