Financial Expert Geh Geh Sparks Controversy with Claims Aki and Pawpaw’s Fame Stems from Height, Not Humor**
Emmanuel Obrusteknown, popularly known as Geh Geh, a controversial social media influencer and self-styled financial expert, has ignited a firestorm of reactions with his bold claim that Nollywood’s iconic comic duo, Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki) and Osita Iheme (Pawpaw), owe their fame to their unique height rather than their comedic talent. The statement, made in a viral video shared across platforms like Instagram and X, has divided fans and sparked heated debates about the legacy of the beloved actors.
In the video, Geh Geh asserted, “Aki and Pawpaw were not really funny. What made them famous is their height,” suggesting that their short stature gave them a distinctive edge in Nollywood, overshadowing their comedic abilities. The influencer, known for his polarizing “School of Wisdom and Understanding” and advice on frugality, cited the actors’ appearance as a key factor in their stardom, comparing it to “pretty privilege” in other contexts. The remarks, reported by outlets like Legit.ng and Nairaland, have fueled discussions about the duo’s contributions to Nigerian cinema.
Aki and Pawpaw, who rose to fame with their 2002 film *Aki na Ukwa*, became household names for their humorous portrayals of mischievous siblings or friends, often leveraging their small stature for comedic effect. Their films, including *2 Rats* and *Baby Police*, transformed Nollywood’s comedy landscape, earning them international recognition, including praise from New York audiences in 2007. However, Geh Geh’s comments challenge the narrative of their success, attributing it primarily to their physical appearance rather than their acting prowess.
Reactions on X have been polarized. Some users, like @HEIS_LEO_001, supported Geh Geh’s view, stating, “The height plays a vital role in pawpaw and aki fame…. Most families like mine, who watches Aki & pawpaw dramas, dey always wonder how these short ‘small children’ take dey act as if dem be adult.” Others vehemently disagreed, with @OfficialJoel4_ arguing, “Only a deaf person can testify to this claims, cos when we watching them as kids, they way they talk and crack jokes was one of the major reason.” @Chekwube____ called the statement “blasphemy,” emphasizing that Aki and Pawpaw are actors, not comedians or skitmakers, making Geh Geh’s critique misplaced.
The controversy comes amid Geh Geh’s growing online presence, particularly with his “School of Wisdom,” where he recently introduced a ₦70,000 uniform for his followers, drawing accusations of hypocrisy given his teachings on financial restraint. Critics argue that his comments on Aki and Pawpaw reflect his tendency to provoke for attention, while supporters see it as a candid take on how unique attributes can drive fame.
Aki and Pawpaw, now 47 and 42 respectively, have continued to evolve in their careers, with a 2021 film *Aki and Pawpaw* and plans for a TV series *Fatty and Sons*. Fans have defended their versatility, pointing to their ability to adapt to mature roles while maintaining their comedic legacy. @raycondaxy on X noted, “Aki & paw-paw are funny & their height is also an advantage. Saying they were not funny because they are no longer the wave of the moment means you don’t understand ‘prime time.’”
As the debate rages on, Geh Geh’s remarks have reignited appreciation for Aki and Pawpaw’s contributions to Nollywood, while raising questions about the role of physical attributes in shaping celebrity status. The duo has not publicly responded to the controversy, leaving fans to defend their legacy across social media platforms.