I won’t stop kneeling to greet those who deserve respect, Toyin Abraham replies critic

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham has defended her practice of kneeling to greet elders, saying she will continue the gesture despite criticism from some fans.

The actress made her position known on Saturday via X while responding to a follower who advised her to stop kneeling at public events, describing the act as unnecessary and demeaning.

“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,” she wrote.

The debate was triggered by a video from the 70th birthday celebration of former Ogun State governor Gbenga Daniel, where Abraham was seen kneeling to greet prominent socialite 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 it could attract disrespect and diminish her public image, especially since those she greeted were not significantly older than her.

The exchange sparked mixed reactions online, with some defending Abraham’s actions as a reflection of Yoruba cultural values of respect, often referred to as “Omoluabi.”

Others, however, maintained that while showing respect is commendable, kneeling fully—particularly for someone of her status—was excessive and unnecessary.

The critic also referenced Abraham’s past political stance during the 2023 elections, though the actress did not respond to that aspect, choosing instead to reaffirm her commitment to cultural respect.