LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi has addressed growing criticism over her public display of respect, following a viral video that showed her kneeling to greet elders, insisting the gesture reflects her cultural values, not insincerity.
The controversy began after a video surfaced from the birthday celebration of former Ogun State governor Gbenga Daniel. In the clip, Toyin Abraham was seen kneeling to greet billionaire businessman Razaq Okoya, his wife Shade Okoya, and other older guests.
Shortly after, reactions flooded social media. While some praised her humility, others criticised the gesture, calling it “abosi,” a Yoruba term often used to describe “Eye Service.”
However, the actress pushed back against the narrative. In a statement shared via her Instagram on Saturday, she made it clear that her actions were not for show but deeply rooted in her upbringing.
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“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’,” she wrote.
She further emphasized that kneeling is a long-standing value she was raised with and remains a core part of her identity.
“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.
The actress also highlighted the importance of preserving cultural practices. She expressed her commitment to passing these values down to younger generations, especially in today’s world where modern influences take hold.
“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,” she said.
Earlier, responding to a fan who advised her to present herself differently to avoid criticism, she stood firm, saying, “I won’t stop kneeling to people who value and deserve it… no matter the status.”
