Veteran actor Papa Ajasco rebrands as Bondu Alaska

Veteran actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, famous for playing the iconic character Papa Ajasco for decades, has officially rebranded as "Bondu Alaska."

The 65-year-old actor made the announcement in a viral video shared on his newly updated Instagram page on Saturday, March 21, 2026. This move marks a major shift in his career as he seeks to move away from the character that made him a household name.

Why the Rebrand?
The change is not just a creative choice but a strategic response to a legal and financial bottleneck:

The Trademark Dispute: Ayoyinka revealed in a recent emotional interview with content creator Lucky Udu that he has been unable to commercially leverage the "Papa Ajasco" name. The character is a registered trademark owned strictly by Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP).

Financial Struggles: Because of these trademark restrictions, Ayoyinka explained that he could not take on independent endorsement deals, film roles, or public appearances using the Papa Ajasco persona, which he claims contributed to his recent financial challenges.

A Fresh Start: By adopting the name Bondu Alaska, the actor is now a "free agent," able to sign his own contracts and build a personal brand without needing approval from his former production house.

The "Bondu Alaska" Launch
In his announcement video, Ayoyinka appeared energetic and grateful, stating:

"Ladies and gentlemen, good morning, Nigerians. My name is Bondu Alaska, the one and only... I am a new person now. I promise I will not let you down."

He has also changed his Instagram handle to @bondualaska_ and is actively calling for corporate brands and filmmakers to engage with him under this new professional identity.

Public & Production Reaction
Wale Adenuga’s Stance: The producer of Papa Ajasco & Company dismissed claims that the actor was "neglected," stating that the trademark protection was simply standard business practice to prevent "inappropriate usage." He maintained that his relationship with Ayoyinka remains cordial.

Fan Reactions: The news has been met with mixed emotions. While many fans are supporting his resilience and "hustle," others have joked that no matter the name change, "NEPA will always be NEPA" (referring to his permanent association with the role).

After 30 years as Papa Ajasco, Abiodun Ayoyinka is now Bondu Alaska. The rebrand is an attempt to reclaim his financial independence and prove there is life (and profit) after Nollywood typecasting.
Since the official rebranding announcement on Saturday, March 21, 2026, the response from the industry has been more about "emotional support" than signed contracts, but there are a few concrete leads.