I won’t stop, Toyin Abraham defends kneeling to greet Shade Okoya, elders

Popular Nigerian actress, Toyin Abraham,has responded to criticism over her habit of kneeling to greet people at social gatherings.

She insisted she would not stop the practice for those she deemed worthy of the gesture.

The actress made the declaration on X on Saturday in reply to a fan, Lady Victoria, who had urged her to stop what she described as “unnecessary kneeling,” arguing that it invited disrespect and amounted to eye service.

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

The exchange was sparked by a video from former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s 70th birthday celebration, where Abraham was seen kneeling before prominent socialite, Shade Okoya, her husband Alhaji Rasaq Okoya, and other dignitaries at the event.

Lady Victoria, who identified herself as a fan, had urged the actress to reconsider.

“Those women she keeps kneeling for are not so much older than her,” she wrote, adding that the habit was making Abraham appear to belittle herself.

The post divided opinion sharply on the platform. Defenders argued that Abraham was simply demonstrating Yoruba “Omoluabi” values of deep respect, pointing to the calibre of those she greeted, including the Okoyas, as justification.

Critics, however, maintained that the gesture was excessive for a woman of Abraham’s standing.

Some argued that while bending to greet was acceptable, going down on both knees and requiring assistance to stand was unnecessary for someone of her stature and age.

Lady Victoria also made reference to Abraham’s public support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 election campaign, a position that had previously drawn backlash from fans.

“We Nigerians have forgiven you for supporting City Boy in 2023. It’s time you forgive yourself too and carry yourself with pride and grace.”

Abraham did not address that aspect of the criticism, choosing instead to reaffirm her position on cultural respect.