Osita Iheme

Born: 1982-02-20 (age 44)
Birthplace: Mbaitoli, Imo State, Nigeria
Occupation: Producer, Comedian
Active: 1998 - Present
Alma Mater: Lagos State University (BSc)
AKA: Pawpaw

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Career Stats

Rising

Movies: 6
Lead Roles: 4
Supporting: 2
Years Active: 28yrs
Per Year: 0.2films

Career Overview

Osita Iheme has 6 film credits spanning 2025–2026 .

Peak: 2026
Pace: 0.2 films/year

Role Distribution

Actor×4

Executive-producer×1

Genre Breakdown

Drama

Supernatural

Comedy

Thriller

Fantasy

Biography

EARLY LIFE

Osita Iheme, MFR, popularly known as Pawpaw, was born on 20 February 1982 in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. He grew up in Abia State and is a native of Mbaitoli, Imo State. He is from a family of five with parents Herbert Iheme and Augustina Iheme. He completed his primary and secondary education in Abia State before pursuing higher education, including studies at Lagos State University (earning a Bachelor of Science) and an MBA from the Institute of Management and Technology, Ghaziabad. Iheme has a form of dwarfism, which influenced his on-screen persona but did not hinder his determination; he discovered his acting talent early through school plays and church activities.

CAREER

Osita Iheme is a legendary Nigerian actor, producer, author, comedian, and motivational speaker, best known for his iconic role as Pawpaw in the 2002 blockbuster Aki na Ukwa, alongside Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), which catapulted both to stardom and popularized the "Aki and Pawpaw" brand. He began acting in 1998, often typecast in the role of a child. He has appeared in over 100–200 Nollywood films, often in comedic childlike roles due to his stature, including Big Mess (2018), and collaborations that redefined comedy in Nigerian cinema. Beyond acting, Iheme authored the motivational book Inspired 101 and founded Inspired Movement Africa to empower youth and people with disabilities. His accolades include the 2007 Africa Movie Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement (at age 25), Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011, and multiple nominations/recognition at City People Entertainment Awards. In recent years, he has ventured into production and remains a brand ambassador, becoming the ambassador of TAJBank in 2023, with the Aki and Pawpaw duo inspiring remakes and memes.

PERSONAL LIFE

Osita Iheme is single with no wife or biological children as of 2025. At age 43, he has publicly stated he has no plans to marry or have children, preferring to focus on his life, career, and supporting his siblings' families, whom he considers his own. Gunmen killed his elder brother, Prince Iheme, in Owerri, Imo State in 2022. Iheme keeps his personal life private but is known for his humility and faith.