By SEGUN AJAYI and CINDI ALISI
Friday April 28, 2006

There is no doubt that lovers of the popular weekly television comedy, Papa Ajasco and Company were shocked that the original cast has been changed Mr Wale Adenuga, Producer and Chief Executive of Wale Adenuga Productions- creators of the comedy, has listed reasons for asking majority of the cast to leave, adding that he meant no harm with the decision.

In February this year, notable artistes like Abiodun Ayoyinka (Papa Ajasco); Bayo Bankole (Boy Alinco); Jumoke Momoh (Mama Ajasco); Miss Pepeiye and the naughty kid, Ajasco, suddenly stopped featuring in the TV series. Mr. Olasehinde Jimoh (Pa James) was retained.

Ironically, virtually all these acts have become household names with their individual roles, in addition to creating large followership for the show, which made its debut on television nine years ago. The artistes have since been replaced by another set of artistes; including Femi Ogunrombi (Papa Ajasco) Victor Oyebode (Boy Alinco), Patricia Mokwunye (Mama Ajasco) and Bola Sowunmi as Miss Pepeiye.
Adenuga told Daily Sun recently that what happened to the artistes was not unusual, and that some of the reasons bothered on gross indiscipline, insubordination and violation of the copyright laws.

As for Miss Pepeiye, the producer disclosed that she has since relocated to the United States to join her husband after her wedding, while little Ajasco was considered to have outgrown his role in age.
According to the producer, Papa Ajasco and Company was not the first screen production of the rested comic magazine, Ikebe Super (which he created in the 1970s).

As such, the introduction of new artistes into the TV show was not only customary, but as a way of injecting fresh ideas into the production.

Adenuga also hinted that, the sacking of the artistes was not unconnected with their serial violation of the Papa Ajasco and Company’s copyright. He explained that the immediate cause of the actors’ withdrawal was when they went on a three-day tour of Benin between December 31 and January 2 to stage a Christmas party for children.

While some people would describe the company’s action as “killing an ant with a sledge hammer,” Adenuga contended that the group had committed a similar offence in 2004. At that time, he said, they all apologised and were pardoned by the board on condition that they would not commit the same mistake in the future. However following the last offence, he said, the artistes have violated the company’s regulations as well as the rules guiding their contract. The main rule is that they should not engage in other commercial productions.

“After thorough investigation, the board recommended the affected artistes for dismissal and it was carried out,” explained Adenuga.

On his part, Ayoyinka, who was reluctant to comment on the new Papa Ajasco and Company, said that he organised a Christmas party in Benin for children. He, however, differed on the producer’s claim that the show was the artistes’ initiative. According to Ayoyinka, another outfit based in Benin approached them; based on the popularity of the characters among children.

Although Ayoyinka admitted that the Benin show earned them money, he argued that their involvement was rather selfless than selfish. He noted that the show enhanced the acceptability of Papa Ajasco and Company and the soaring image of W.A.P. He regretted that rather than for the artistes to earn kudos for their loyalty and commitment for the past nine years, they were reprimanded and later dismissed by the producer.

On the controversy of the Benin show, which culminated in their dismissal, Ayoyinka said the decision was borne out of envy and intrigue from some members of staff of the organisation. Prior to their dismissal, Ayoyinka said that there had been complaints that some artistes were already considering themselves bigger than the organisation, owing to their fame and fortune.

Meanwhile, Ayoyinka described this allegation as false, adding “the artistes wouldn’t have asked for too much if they are being driven around in chauffeur-driven branded cars, in line with their status as superstars… Papa Ajasco and company is best seller and the most lucrative show from WAP’s stable’’.
On the allegations of disloyalty and divided interest, Ayoyinka, who is an employee of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, reiterated that his first loyalty is to the council that pays his salary. He noted that he still abides by the rules that prevents him from acting in other productions, adding: “If I am that rich as they claimed at WAP, would I still be driving an old Mercedes Benz car?’’

Speaking further, the actor reasoned that he has not joined another production after his ouster from Papa Ajasco and Company, neither has he been in a hurry to join another company.

Nevertheless, the former Papa Ajasco, who disclosed that his involvement in the comedy was endorsed by his organisation and Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, however, said that there is no love lost between him and W.A.P. “If I am called back into the show, I won’t hesitate,” he confessed to Daily Sun.
As for Bayo Bankole, (Boy Alinco), his sack from the T.V. drama is a bitter pill to swallow. Although shocked by the development, Alinco still saw it as a blessing in disguise.

While he admitted that he alongside with his colleagues featured in the Benin show without the consent of Wale Adenuga, he said that he featured in the show as Bayo, not as Boy Alinco. He explained further, “We went as individuals and not under the umbrella of Papa Ajasco and Company.”

Bankole, however, did not contend the fact that his role as Alinco has become a brand.
His words “Anywhere I go, people refer to me as Boy Alinco, but I did not wear the Boy Alinco’s costume at the Benin show. The problem really is that before we perform in any show, we must obtain permission from Adenuga, but must he always know the way we live our lives?”