Forgotten star: Pa Ojoge’s heartbreaking story of survival, neglect

Forgotten star: Pa Ojoge’s heartbreaking story of survival, neglect

Veteran Yoruba actor Oluwasesan Adio, popularly known as Pa Ojoge, has opened up about his financial struggles, revealing that he now survives on the goodwill of friends who occasionally give him as little as ₦5,000 or ₦10,000 to support his family.

In a candid interview, the actor said he depends entirely on others to make ends meet.

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

Pa Ojoge accused the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) of neglecting older and struggling actors, claiming the association only celebrates wealthy members.

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“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 even a local TAMPAN chairman in Shomolu condemned the association’s selective recognition, describing it as 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 said.

Pa Ojoge, who began his acting career in the 1970s, rose to fame for his comedic roles in Yoruba and English-language productions. He has featured in several movies and television series, including the popular sitcom Face2Face.

His revelation has reignited public concern over the welfare of veteran actors in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, many of whom have reportedly faced similar struggles after years of contributing to the growth of the sector.

Forgotten star: Pa Ojoge’s heartbreaking story of survival, neglect