According to Punch Newspapers, veteran Nollywood actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, widely known for his iconic role as Papa Ajasco, has officially rebranded himself as Bondu Alaska. The decision follows a reported dispute over the ownership and use of the “Papa Ajasco” character, a staple in Nigerian television for decades.
Ayoyinka’s move signals a fresh chapter for the veteran, who has been a face of Nigerian comedy since the 1980s. The rebranding aims to distance his personal brand from the character owned by Wale Adenuga Productions, allowing him more creative and commercial freedom in the current digital era.
Fans and industry colleagues have expressed mixed reactions, with many praising his resilience while others mourn the “end of an era” for the classic character. The actor has promised to bring the same energy to his new persona, Bondu Alaska, across social media and new film projects.
* Legit.ng reported: “Papa Ajasco reintroduces himself with new name… ‘I am a new person now.'”
* The Cable Lifestyle noted: “Abiodun Ayoyinka rebrands, drops ‘Papa Ajasco’ for ‘Bondu Alaska’ following character use dispute.”
Echotitbits take:
This is a significant intellectual property lesson for Nollywood. It highlights the growing tension between veteran actors and the production houses that “own” their most famous personas. By rebranding to Bondu Alaska, Ayoyinka is attempting to reclaim his autonomy in a market where social media influence is now more lucrative than traditional TV contracts. Watch for whether he can successfully migrate his massive legacy audience to this new, independent brand.
Source: [Channels TV] — https://www.channelstv.com/2026/03/22/papa-ajasco-actor-rebrands-as-bondu-alaska-amid-trademark-dispute/v [March 22, 2026]
Photo Credit: Channels TV
