Abiodun Ayoyinka Drops ‘Papa Ajasco’ Identity, Rebrands as Bondu Alaska Amid Rights Dispute

Veteran Nollywood actor Abiodun Ayoyinka has officially adopted a new stage name, Bondu Alaska, marking a major shift from the iconic “Papa Ajasco” persona that defined much of his career.

In a video shared on social media, the actor introduced himself under his new identity and expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their continued support, especially following the attention generated by his recent interviews. He also urged fans, collaborators, and brands to recognise and address him as Bondu Alaska going forward.

The rebranding follows a public disagreement with Wale Adenuga, founder of Wale Adenuga Productions, over the rights to the “Papa Ajasco” brand. According to Ayoyinka, the name is trademarked by the production company, preventing him from using it for personal or commercial ventures.

Beyond the naming dispute, the actor also opened up about financial challenges, revealing that despite portraying the beloved character for years, he did not enjoy the level of financial reward many might have expected.

Opinion: Fame Without Ownership — A Costly Reality

Abiodun Ayoyinka’s decision to rebrand is more than just a name change—it highlights a deeper issue within the entertainment industry: the gap between fame and ownership.

For decades, “Papa Ajasco” was a household name, and to many Nigerians, Ayoyinka was the character. Yet, this situation reveals a hard truth—being the face of a brand does not necessarily mean owning it. Intellectual property rights often remain with production companies, leaving performers with limited control over the identities they helped build.

While trademark protection is a standard global practice, Ayoyinka’s experience raises questions about fairness, especially in industries where actors may not have had strong legal representation early in their careers.

His rebranding to Bondu Alaska can be seen as both a loss and an opportunity. On one hand, he steps away from a legacy that brought him recognition; on the other, he gains the freedom to redefine himself on his own terms.

Ultimately, his story should serve as a lesson to upcoming creatives: talent may bring fame, but ownership secures the future.