Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has again defended her decision to kneel while greeting elders, saying the practice reflects her upbringing and cultural values.
The renewed response follows backlash that trailed a viral video from the 70th birthday celebration of former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, where Abraham was seen kneeling to greet businesswoman Shade Okoya, her husband, Alhaji Rasaq Okoya, and other dignitaries.
The clip had sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising her for upholding Yoruba values, while others described the gesture as excessive.
Earlier, Abraham had responded directly to a critic on X who questioned her repeated kneeling at public events.
“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 criticism came from an X user, Lady Victoria, who urged the actress to reconsider the habit.
“Those women she keeps kneeling for are not so much older than her,” she wrote, adding that the gesture made Abraham appear to belittle herself.
She further stated, “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.”
While Abraham did not respond to the political reference, she has now expanded her position in a fresh statement, shifting the focus to culture and tradition.
“I have seen the various opinions regarding the manner in which I greeted some elders at a recent event. It gives me pause to reflect on when we began to drift from our culture and traditions, to the point where kneeling as we were taught is now described as “abosi.””
The actress stressed that kneeling is not for show but a value she has held from childhood.
“I, Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi, was raised to kneel when greeting those older than me. It is a value deeply rooted in who I am, and one I will continue to uphold with pride.”
She added that preserving such values remains important to her.
“As a commitment to our heritage, I will remain intentional about passing these values on to the younger generations, in order to preserve and honor our culture.”
The conversation has since remained divided, with supporters describing her action as a reflection of “Omoluabi” values, while critics maintain that such gestures should be moderated in public spaces.
Abraham, however, appears unmoved by the debate, maintaining that respect for elders remains a core part of her identity.
She ended her message by wishing her followers well and promoting her YouTube project, Love Between Two Altars.
