Entertainment
Wale Adenuga Refutes Papa Ajasco’s Claims of Financial Hardship
Veteran filmmaker and CEO of Wale Adenuga Productions, Wale Adenuga, has dismissed claims by actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known as Papa Ajasco, that he is facing financial difficulties.
Ayoyinka’s recent interview, which sparked widespread discussion online, alleged financial struggles despite his decades-long role in the iconic TV series Papa Ajasco and Company.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Adenuga described these claims as “false and misleading,” emphasizing his longstanding professional relationship with the actor.
“My first reaction when I saw the video was to note that he has successfully taken the Papa Ajasco brand into the public space. I am happy for him that his social media strategy seems to be working,” Adenuga said.
He praised Ayoyinka as a “versatile actor” who closely resembles the character Adenuga created in 1976. He also highlighted the actor’s service with the Lagos State Government, including his time as the face of the state’s cultural troupe, and noted that the two have had no irreconcilable differences.
Addressing accusations of neglect, Adenuga stated that the production company has supported Ayoyinka over the years. “On the car issue, we once gave him a car — and Pa James as well. He has used at least five cars, including a Mercedes-Benz, at different times. To the best of my knowledge, he also owns a house in Ogun State,” he said.
Adenuga explained that restrictions on the use of the “Papa Ajasco” brand for personal ventures were necessary to protect its integrity but clarified that actors were free to pursue other jobs, including advertising work, with company approval.
Questioning Ayoyinka’s claims of financial hardship, Adenuga asked: “Why is Abiodun Ayoyinka claiming to be broke? What happened to his gratuities and other investments from over 30 years of service with the Lagos State Government?”
He added that other cast members, including Pa James, Mama Ajasco, Boy Alinco, Miss Pepeiye, Akpan, and Oduma, regularly work on external projects, highlighting that the company does not restrict artistes from outside engagements. Actors typically spend only six weeks a year on set, allowing time for other pursuits.
“The organisation pays according to industry standards and fulfills all financial obligations. Any suggestion of neglect or exploitation is entirely false,” Adenuga concluded, reaffirming the company’s commitment to professional relationships and thanking the public for their continued support.
Nigerian Afrobeats singer Crayon has ignited controversy on social media after making a series of allegations against Mavin Records and its founder, Don Jazzy.
The singer, who rose to fame under the label, took to X (formerly Twitter) in a string of emotional posts accusing the music powerhouse of withholding royalties and mishandling aspects of his career.
In the posts, Crayon alleged that executives within the label had earned significant revenue from his music while failing to properly compensate him. One of the tweets, which quickly went viral before being deleted, described a top executive as a “highest criminal,” sparking heated reactions across social media.
Screenshots of the posts circulated widely online, drawing attention from fans and figures within the Nigerian entertainment industry.
The controversy intensified after fans noticed changes in the singer’s social media profiles and music releases. Crayon recently released a new track titled “Baami” under a different imprint reportedly linked to Olodum Entertainment, fueling speculation that he may have parted ways with Mavin Records.
Observers also noted updates to the singer’s booking contact and branding online, which many interpreted as signs of a possible departure from the label.
However, neither Crayon nor Mavin Records has officially confirmed whether the artist has exited the company.
The situation has already sparked reactions within the music industry. Nigerian producer Samklef weighed in on the controversy, suggesting the allegations raise broader concerns about how artists are treated by major labels.
Fans have also taken sides online, with some defending Mavin Records’ reputation, while others expressed support for the singer’s claims.
Crayon joined the Mavin ecosystem in 2019 under Blowtime Entertainment, a label imprint led by music executive Baby Fresh.
Since then, he has released several popular songs including “So Fine,” “Ijo (Laba Laba),” “Too Correct,” and “Ngozi” featuring fellow Mavin star Ayra Starr.
The artist also gained recognition through collaborative projects with other Mavin talents such as Rema, Magixx, and Ladipoe.
Despite the growing online debate, Mavin Records has yet to release an official statement addressing the allegations.
As the controversy continues to trend across social media, fans and industry watchers are awaiting clarification from both sides on the future of Crayon’s relationship with the influential Afrobeats label.
For now, the situation highlights ongoing conversations about contracts, royalties, and artist-label relationships within Nigeria’s fast-growing music industry.
The 2026 Academy Awards saw the political thriller One Battle After Another emerge as the biggest winner of the night, claiming six major awards including Best Picture at the 98th Oscars ceremony held in Hollywood.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson, the film dominated the ceremony with victories in categories such as Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor, Best Film Editing, and the inaugural Oscar for Casting.
The film, loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland, stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a former revolutionary navigating political turmoil alongside his daughter. Anderson’s wins marked a historic moment, as the director secured his first Academy Awards after more than a decade of nominations.
While One Battle After Another led the night, the vampire thriller Sinners also performed strongly, winning four awards including Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan.
In the Best Actress category, Jessie Buckley made history by winning for her role in Hamnet, becoming the first Irish actress to secure the award.
Other highlights from the ceremony included Amy Madigan’s Best Supporting Actress win for Weapons, while the animated feature category was won by KPop Demon Hunters.
The 98th Academy Awards, hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrated outstanding films released in 2025 and featured winners across 24 categories.
The night’s results confirmed One Battle After Another as the standout film of the year, cementing its place as one of the most celebrated productions of the 2026 awards season.
The Norwegian family drama Sentimental Value has, won the Best International Feature Film award at the 98th Academy Awards, marking a historic moment for Norway in global cinema.
Directed by Joachim Trier, the film secured the prestigious Oscar on Sunday night, becoming the first Norwegian film ever to win in the category.
The emotional drama explores the strained relationship between a celebrated film director and his two daughters as they confront past wounds and attempt reconciliation through art and storytelling.
The movie stars Stellan Skarsgård as the estranged father, alongside Renate Reinsve, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning. The story centres on a filmmaker who attempts to reconnect with his daughters by casting them in a new movie project, reopening old emotional conflicts within the family.
Sentimental Value premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025, where it won the Grand Prix and gained widespread critical acclaim before continuing its strong awards season run.
The film received multiple nominations at the 2026 Oscars; including Best Picture and Best Director, but ultimately took home the Best International Feature Film award.
During his acceptance speech, Trier emphasized the importance of global cinema and called for greater responsibility toward future generations, referencing author James Baldwin in his remarks.
The victory represents a landmark achievement for Norway’s film industry and further highlights the growing global influence of international storytelling at the Oscars.