I Rely On Other People To Survive - Nigerian Actor, Pa Ojoge Opens Up On Financial Struggles, Accuses TAMPAN Of Neglect

Veteran Yoruba actor Oluwasesan Adio, widely known as Pa Ojoge, has opened up about his financial hardships, disclosing that he relies on small sums of ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 from friends to get by.

“I do not have money. I rely on other people to survive. I get money from people who I have known for long. Sometimes people give me ₦5,000, others can give me ₦10,000. That is how I am taking care of my children and wife,” he said.

Ojoge, in an interview, accused the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) of neglect, stating that the association only recognises wealthy actors, not those who are struggling.

Pa Ojoge, known for his comedic roles, expressed his frustration, saying he’s been forced to rely on the goodwill of others to care for his family.

He also shared that he recently lost a child, but TAMPAN didn’t acknowledge his loss, unlike that of his colleague Peju Ogunmola.

“I lost my child before Peju Ogunmola lost hers, but TAMPAN did not post mine. They only posted Peju’s because I don’t have money. If you are broke, the industry will not recognize you,” he lamented.

He added that a local TAMPAN chairman in Shomolu condemned the association’s selective support, calling it unfair and insensitive. 

“My chairman in Shomolu lambasted them that it was not supposed to be that way. The job only recognizes those that are rich, not those that are poor,” he added.

Pa Ojoge began his acting career in the 1970s and became a household name for his humorous performances in Yoruba and English productions.

He has appeared in numerous films and television series, including the popular sitcom Face2Face.

Pa Ojoge’s situation has sparked concerns about the welfare and neglect of veteran actors in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.