Veteran actor Sesan Adio, popularly known as Pa Ojoge, has opened up about his financial struggles and feelings of neglect from the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).
Speaking in an interview on Agbaletu TV, the veteran performer, who became popular for his comic roles in the 1970s, revealed that he now depends on small contributions from friends to support his family.
He explained that his survival largely comes from the goodwill of those who have known him for years, as he often receives little sums of money from them to feed his wife and children.
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Pa Ojoge shared that he recently lost a child but was pained that TAMPAN did not show concern or make any public statement about his loss.
He expressed disappointment that while some colleagues receive public sympathy from the association, others like him are ignored, especially when they are not financially strong.
He lamented that those without wealth are often forgotten in the industry.
The veteran actor also mentioned that some of his colleagues have spoken out in his defence, condemning the lack of support from the association.
He said: “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 N5,000, others can give me N10,000. That is how I am taking care of my children and wife.
“I am extremely broke right now. I am surviving on the N5,000 and N10,000 friends give me when I visit them. I lost my child before Peju Ogunmola lost her own but TAMPAN did not post it yet they posted Peju’s own all because I don’t have money. If you are broke, the industry will not recognise you.
“My chairman at Shomolu lambasted them that it was not supposed to be that way, that another person’s child does but you did not talk about it. The job only recognizes those that are rich, not those that are poor.”
Born in Ibadan, Pa Ojoge began his acting journey in the 1970s and became well-known for his humorous performances, especially in collaboration with the late comic actor Otolo.
Over the years, he has appeared in several Yoruba and English movies, as well as in the popular television series Face2Face.
