Popular Nigerian content creator, Emmanuel Obruste, widely known as GehGeh, has responded to allegations of neglect made by his younger sister, saying he does not have enough wealth to lift his entire family out of poverty.
The controversy began after his sister publicly accused him of abandoning his family despite his perceived success on social media. She also alleged that she was denied access to his recent housewarming ceremony, a claim that quickly drew attention online.
The accusations sparked reactions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians criticising GehGeh and questioning his responsibility toward his family. Some users argued that successful individuals have a duty to support their relatives, especially in a country like Nigeria where family ties are highly valued.
However, in a video shared on his Instagram page, GehGeh pushed back against the claims, explaining that his financial capacity has been exaggerated. Speaking in a mix of pidgin and English, he said he is doing his best but cannot meet all expectations placed on him.
“I never get the kind of money wey fit raise family from poverty,” he said. “I can only do my best, not my all.”
He explained that while he has helped his family in the past, including buying a phone for the same sister who accused him, he believes it is important for his siblings to become independent rather than rely solely on him.
According to him, constant financial demands from family members can become overwhelming, especially for someone who is still building his career. He advised his siblings to find jobs and create their own means of livelihood.
“My advice to my brother and sister is that they should go and work, don’t depend on me,” he said.
GehGeh also spoke about his personal journey, describing himself as the first person in his family to achieve a level of financial stability. He said coming from a background of poverty has made it difficult for him to meet the expectations of lifting everyone at once.
“In the history of my family, I’m the only one that has seen light,” he said. “You expect that as I see the light, I should carry everybody from poverty immediately?”
He added that he has his own responsibilities, including taking care of his immediate family, which he said includes three children. This, he explained, limits how much support he can provide to extended family members.
The influencer admitted that he is careful with his finances, describing his approach as “wickedness” in a humorous but firm tone. According to him, being strict with money has helped him grow and maintain his current level of success.
“I’m very careful with my money. If I was giving everybody that asked, I wouldn’t have reached this level,” he said.
To support his argument, GehGeh referenced Nigerian music star Asake, noting that even established celebrities do not always provide large-scale financial support to their families immediately after becoming successful.
“Asake has been a big star for years, but it was only recently he bought cars for his parents,” he said, suggesting that financial growth takes time.
The situation has once again brought attention to the pressures faced by young Nigerians who achieve sudden success, especially through social media. Many are often expected to support not just immediate family members but also extended relatives.
However, financial advisers warn that taking on too many responsibilities at once can lead to stress, debt, or even financial collapse. They often encourage people to set boundaries and plan their support in a sustainable way.
GehGeh’s comments have divided public opinion. While some Nigerians support his stance, arguing that he has the right to manage his resources as he sees fit, others believe he should do more for his family, especially given his public display of success.
“This is a common issue in many families,” one social media user wrote. “People think once you are successful, you should solve everyone’s problems.”
Others, however, criticised his tone, saying he could have addressed the issue in a more sensitive manner.
The controversy also highlights the role of social media in amplifying personal and family disputes. Issues that might have been handled privately in the past are now often brought into the public space, where they attract widespread attention and judgment.
For GehGeh, the situation has become a public debate about responsibility, success, and family expectations. While he insists he has done his part, the conversation around his response continues online.
As more young Nigerians find success through digital platforms, similar situations are likely to arise, raising important questions about how individuals can balance personal growth with family obligations.
For now, GehGeh maintains that his focus is on sustaining his progress and taking care of those directly under his responsibility, while encouraging his siblings to build their own paths.
“I will give my best, but not my all,” he said, a statement that has now become central to the ongoing debate.