Toyin Abraham says she won’t stop, defends kneeling to greet Shade Okoya, other elders

Toyin Abraham has responded to criticism over her habit of kneeling to greet people at social events, insisting she has no plans to stop.

She maintained that she would continue the practice for individuals she believes “value and deserve it,” regardless of their social status.

The actress made the statement on X on Saturday while replying to a fan, Lady Victoria, who advised her to stop what she called “unnecessary kneeling,” arguing that it promotes disrespect and “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 followed a viral video from former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel’s 70th birthday celebration, where Abraham was seen kneeling to greet socialite Shade Okoya, her husband Razaq Okoya, and other dignitaries.

Lady Victoria had urged the actress to reconsider the gesture, saying the women she knelt for were not significantly older than her and that it made her appear to diminish herself.

The post sparked mixed reactions online, with supporters defending Abraham’s actions as a display of Yoruba cultural respect and “Omoluabi” values.

Others, however, argued that while bowing is acceptable, going on both knees is unnecessary for someone of her status and age.

Lady Victoria also referenced Abraham’s earlier support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 elections, which previously attracted backlash from critics.

However, Abraham did not address that part of the comment, instead reiterating her stance on showing respect where she deems appropriate.