Nollywood box office queen, Toyin Abraham, has once again found herself at the centre of online controversy after a viral video of her greeting billionaire couple, Razaq and Shade Okoya, triggered mixed reactions across social media.
The actress was spotted at a high-profile 70th birthday celebration, where she respectfully knelt to greet the influential couple. While many saw it as a simple display of respect, others were quick to criticise her, branding the gesture as “abosi” and unnecessary showmanship.
“Where did we lose our culture?” Toyin reacts
Responding to the backlash, Toyin Abraham didn’t hold back as she defended her action, expressing deep concern over what she described as a gradual erosion of cultural values.
According to her, kneeling to greet elders is not just a habit but a core value she was raised with — one she refuses to abandon regardless of public opinion.
She questioned when respecting elders suddenly became controversial, stressing that she will continue to uphold and teach traditional values to the younger generation.
In her words, she made it clear that she remains committed to preserving cultural etiquette, even in modern spaces where such gestures are now being debated and misunderstood.
Online reactions divide fans
As expected, the debate has split social media users into two camps. While some applauded Toyin for standing firm on cultural respect, others argued that modern society should not pressure women into performative displays of submission.
Despite the criticism, the actress appears unbothered and continues to push her latest YouTube project, encouraging fans to watch her new production, which she promoted alongside her statement.
Not the first time Toyin is stirring conversation
This is not the first time Toyin Abraham has sparked conversation over her bold personality and outspoken nature.
From calling herself “Oversabi Aunty of Nigeria” on her birthday to openly declaring her spiritual and creative identity as a filmmaker who “speaks through movies,” the actress has consistently positioned herself as one of Nollywood’s most expressive and controversial stars.
She has also previously made headlines for emotional moments of prayer, public reflections on faith, and even viral clips of her energetic church appearances.
Culture vs modern perception
At the heart of the debate remains a bigger question — is cultural respect being misinterpreted in today’s social media era, or is society simply evolving beyond traditional gestures?
For Toyin Abraham, the answer is clear: culture must be preserved, not apologised for.
And if her latest response is anything to go by, she is not backing down anytime soon.
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