I won’t stop, Toyin Abraham Defends Kneeling to Greet Shade Okoya, Elders

Popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Toyin Abraham, has responded to criticism over her practice of kneeling to greet elders at public events, insisting she will continue the gesture for those she believes deserve it.

The actress made this known in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday while replying to a fan who described the act as unnecessary and self-demeaning.

“I won’t stop kneeling to people who value and deserve it… I will continue to go on both knees to greet people who value and deserve it no matter their status,” she wrote.

The controversy followed the circulation of a video from the 70th birthday celebration of former Ogun State governor, Gbenga Daniel, where Abraham was seen kneeling to greet prominent businesswoman Shade Okoya, her husband Rasaq Okoya, and other dignitaries.

A fan identified as Lady Victoria had urged the actress to reconsider the gesture, arguing that some of the individuals she knelt for were not significantly older and that the act could invite disrespect.

However, Abraham’s response has sparked mixed reactions online. While some users criticised the gesture as excessive for someone of her status, others defended her, describing it as a reflection of Yoruba cultural values rooted in respect and humility.

Supporters noted that kneeling to greet elders aligns with the traditional “Omoluabi” ethos, particularly in South-West Nigeria, where such gestures are widely regarded as a sign of good upbringing.

Critics, on the other hand, argued that while showing respect is commendable, going down on both knees and requiring assistance to stand may be unnecessary, especially for a public figure of Abraham’s stature.

The debate also resurfaced past criticisms over her political stance during the 2023 general elections, when she openly supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, the actress did not address that aspect, choosing instead to focus on defending her cultural beliefs.