Abiodun Ayoyinka, the veteran entertainer who brought the iconic “Papa Ajasco” character to life for decades, has officially transitioned to a new stage persona: Bondu Alaska.
The veteran actor announced the rebranding via a viral Instagram video on Saturday, signaling a definitive break from the character that made him a household name across Nigeria. “Ladies and gentlemen, good morning Nigerians. My name is Bondu Alaska. The one and only Bondu Alaska,” he declared, marking the start of a new professional chapter.
The rebranding follows a period of public friction between Ayoyinka and Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP), the creators of the Papa Ajasco & Company series. The tension escalated after Ayoyinka made public claims regarding financial hardship, which were subsequently disputed by Wale Adenuga.
Adenuga described the “broke” claims as misleading, noting that the production house had provided various incentives, including vehicles, over the years. Crucially, the dispute highlighted legal restrictions regarding the “Papa Ajasco” trademark. While WAP maintained that actors were free to pursue independent work, the use of the specific “Papa Ajasco” brand remained strictly controlled to prevent “inappropriate usage.”
In his announcement, Ayoyinka expressed profound gratitude to the Nigerian public for their support following his recent interviews. He confirmed that his social media handles have been updated to reflect the “Bondu Alaska” brand, inviting fans and corporate partners to engage with him under this new identity.
”I’m a new person now, and I promise that I will not let you down,” the actor stated, emphasizing his commitment to continuing his craft despite the shift in nomenclature.
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Despite the official name change, the transition has met with a wave of nostalgia from fans who have associated Ayoyinka with the bald, belly-slapping patriarch for over twenty years. Social media comments ranged from supportive to humorous, with many followers insisting they would continue to see him as the original Papa Ajasco regardless of the new title.
The move is seen by industry analysts as a necessary step for the actor to reclaim his individual professional autonomy while navigating the complexities of intellectual property rights in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
