Ex-Miss Pepeiye Breaks Silence on Papa Ajasco Financial Struggles
Bolatito Sowunmi, the actress who portrayed Miss Pepeiye on the popular comedy series Papa Ajasco and Company, has publicly addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding her former colleague, Abiodun Ayoyinka, who plays Papa Ajasco. In a heartfelt statement shared on her social media platforms on March 22, 2026, Sowunmi called for empathy from critics who have attacked Ayoyinka for revealing his financial difficulties.
Urging Empathy for Veteran Actors
Sowunmi emphasized that only those directly involved in the entertainment industry truly understand the challenges faced by actors. She stated, "Those castigating Papa Ajasco for opening up should take a chill pill. Na we dey inside, na we know where the shoe pinches." She argued that financial struggles should not be dismissed, especially for veterans who have dedicated years to their craft. Sowunmi highlighted that not everyone seeks attention on social media, which is why many actors remain silent about their hardships.
Clarifying Her Exit and Comparisons
The actress also clarified the reasons behind her departure from Papa Ajasco and Company after a decade-long tenure starting in 2006. She explained that her exit was for personal reasons and not due to any dispute with Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP). Sowunmi addressed comparisons between herself and the current actress playing Miss Pepeiye, noting that she holds no grievances and is focused on her own life. She praised WAP as a noble platform that has provided opportunities for creatives, stating she would never speak negatively about the production house.
Addressing Industry-Wide Challenges
In her post, Sowunmi shed light on the broader struggles within the Nigerian entertainment industry. She questioned how many actors who maintain integrity and values are truly thriving financially, urging people to look beyond social media appearances. She asserted, "If the elderly man say he is struggling, he is. Do you want him to keep quiet and die in penury?" Sowunmi encouraged support for Ayoyinka and others in similar situations, rather than discrediting their experiences.
Revealing New Identity and Copyright Issues
Sowunmi revealed that she has adopted the nickname "Ms Eagle" for her fans, as the Miss Pepeiye name is copyrighted under WAP. She explained that the character name is a registered brand, accessible only to actors during their period of service with the production. This move allows her to maintain a connection with her audience while respecting intellectual property rights.
Background on the Controversy
The controversy began when Abiodun Ayoyinka publicly disclosed his financial struggles, citing restrictions from WAP that limit his ability to commercially benefit from the Papa Ajasco persona outside the show. In response, Wale Adenuga dismissed these claims as exaggerated, stating that Ayoyinka can take advertising roles with approval. Another cast member, Kayode Olaseinde (Pa James), also acknowledged that income from the production alone is insufficient to cover bills, adding to the discourse on actor welfare in Nigeria.
This situation highlights ongoing issues in the entertainment sector, where veteran actors often face financial instability despite their contributions to popular culture. Sowunmi's intervention calls for a more compassionate approach from the public and industry stakeholders alike.
