END OF AN ERA? Legendary Nollywood Star Forced to Drop the Name That Made Him Famous!

Veteran Nollywood actor Abiodun Ayoyinka Richard, the man Nigerians have lovingly called Papa Ajasco for decades, has officially turned a new page — and this time, it comes with a brand-new name.

The actor has rebranded after the name “Papa Ajasco” was copyrighted by Wale Adenuga Productions, the creators of the iconic comedy series that made him a household name.

Yes, you read that right. Papa Ajasco is no longer Papa Ajasco.

For years, the mere mention of “Papa Ajasco” brought instant laughter — the bald head, the dramatic facial expressions, the exaggerated reactions, and of course, those unforgettable comic outbursts that left many Nigerians rolling on the floor. The character became a cultural symbol, thanks to the long-running TV series Papa Ajasco & Company, created by legendary producer Wale Adenuga.

But as the saying goes, in showbiz, nothing lasts forever — not even a legendary name.

With the trademark legally owned by Wale Adenuga Productions, the veteran actor has decided to embrace change rather than fight it. Instead of fading quietly into the background, he chose something bold, unexpected, and impossible to ignore. It’s a move that signals a fresh identity and a brand-new chapter in his career.

Now, fans are reacting with shock, nostalgia, and plenty of jokes. Many are still trying to process the idea of introducing him without instinctively adding “Papa” in front. After all, when a name has lived rent-free in people’s memories for decades, it doesn’t just pack its bags and leave quietly.

Still, one thing remains clear: whether under his former stage identity or his new one, Abiodun Ayoyinka Richard’s contribution to Nigerian comedy cannot be erased. Names may change, contracts may shift, but legacy stays put.

And if there’s one thing Nigerians know for sure, it’s this — a man who made the whole country laugh once can absolutely do it again.

The name may be different now… but the laughter? That’s permanent.