Nollywood star Toyin Abraham has firmly shut down critics after a video of her kneeling to greet billionaire socialite Shade Okoya, her husband Alhaji Razaq Okoya, and other elders went viral.
The clip, recorded at the birthday celebration of former Ogun State Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel, showed the actress on both knees in a show of respect. While many applauded her humility and commitment to Yoruba cultural values, others accused her of overdoing it or engaging in “eye service.”
In a direct response to the backlash, Toyin declared: “I won’t stop kneeling to people who value and deserve it, my darling. I will continue to go on both my knees to greet people who deserve it, no matter the status.”
The mother of two emphasised that kneeling is a personal principle rooted in her upbringing as a true “Omoluabi” – a well-bred Yoruba person who upholds respect for elders.
Toyin Abraham has a history of publicly showing respect to seniors in the industry and society.