A viral moment recently captured President Bola Tinubu’s arrival at the Lagos airport, where he was warmly greeted by comic actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known as Papa Ajasco.
This repeated encounter between the president and Papa Ajasco sparked curiosity among social media users, with many wondering why the two always seem to meet during the president’s visits to the airport.
Olusegun Dada, the Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Social Media, took to social media to clarify the situation. In response to a user’s inquiry on X (formerly Twitter), Dada explained that Papa Ajasco is not just an actor, but also plays an important role in the president’s airport receptions.
“I’ve seen this question pop up in my comments a lot. For context, Papa Ajasco is in charge of the cultural troop that welcomes Mr. President whenever he is in Lagos,” Dada wrote in his post, providing much-needed clarity.
The clarification came after a video was shared, showing the warm greeting between the president and the beloved actor. The video quickly gained attention, with many asking if this was a one-time event or a routine occurrence.
The question from a curious user read: “I’m curious, do they meet every time he’s at Lagos airport? Because this scene happened months ago too.” This prompted Dada’s explanation about the cultural troop’s role, which has been a key part of the president’s official protocol.
Papa Ajasco, a household name in Nigerian comedy, is widely recognized for his role in the popular television sitcom Papa Ajasco and Company. His involvement in welcoming the president at the airport highlights a blend of entertainment and national tradition. The actor’s cultural troop is tasked with representing Nigerian hospitality and culture, and they are responsible for providing a traditional and festive welcome whenever the president arrives in Lagos.
This cultural reception is part of a long-standing tradition that emphasizes Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and showcases the country’s unique blend of politics and entertainment. The president’s warm reception by Papa Ajasco and his team is seen as a symbolic gesture, embodying the spirit of national unity and pride.
The timing of Tinubu’s arrival was also significant. He touched down in Lagos just days before the Christmas and New Year festivities, when such gestures of warmth and unity hold added importance. It’s a time when the president’s presence is most symbolic, with the nation coming together to celebrate both religious and cultural traditions.
In a country as diverse as Nigeria, where the arts and entertainment industry play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and national identity, this welcoming tradition has become a symbol of the connection between the leadership and the people. It serves to remind Nigerians of the importance of culture and tradition, even in the political sphere.
While many social media users were initially puzzled by the frequent appearances of Papa Ajasco at the airport, Dada’s clarification has shed light on the reasoning behind it. It’s not just an entertaining coincidence — it’s a part of the presidential protocol that adds a personal and cultural touch to official events.
