Veteran actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Papa Ajasco, has announced a rebranding of his public persona, adopting the new stage name Bondu Alaska. The announcement was made in a video shared on his Instagram page on Saturday, marking a fresh chapter in his career.
Ayoyinka, who recently revealed financial struggles and had a public exce with Wale Adenuga, founder of Wale Adenuga Productions, over restrictions on the Papa Ajasco brand, said, “Las and Gentlemen, good morning Nigerians. My name is Bondu Alaska. The one and only Bondu Alaska.”
Expressing gratitude to his fans, he added, “I want to use this medium to thank Nigerians because they have done a lot in my life. I’m a new person now, and I promise that I will not let you down.” He has also updated his Instagram handle to @bondualaska and encouraged fans and brands to connect with him under his new identity.
Fans, however, have expressed nostalgia for the Papa Ajasco brand, with some joking that the character’s legacy remains unmatched. Meanwhile, Wale Adenuga clarified that while the brand must be protected from inappropriate use, Ayoyinka and other actors were never barred from pursuing independent work. Adenuga also described claims of Ayoyinka being broke as misleading, noting that the actor had received various incentives over the years.
The rebranding appears to be a strategic move to elish independence and navigate legal limitations surrounding the use of the Papa Ajasco name.
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