Video: Knocks, Kudos As Ooni Asks Entourage To Prostrate Before Oluremi Tinubu

A brief moment of cultural exchange between First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and the Ooni of Ife, where his entourage was asked to prostrate has stirred online reactions and debate.

A viral video showing Ooni of Ife instructing his entourage to prostrate to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has sparked mixed online reactions.

The moment occurred during the monarch’s recent visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos for the Sallah celebrations.

In a video making rounds online, the Ooni was seen exchanging respectful greetings with the First Lady. As she turned to acknowledge the traditional ruler’s entourage, the Ooni instructed his accompanying entourage to prostrate. While some hesitated, the monarch firmly repeated the command, emphasizing traditional protocol.

In a show of mutual respect, the First Lady responded in Yoruba, telling the men to rise after they had shown the traditional gesture. The exchange, though brief, ignited a flurry of responses from Nigerians, with interpretations ranging from cultural reverence to perceived overreach.

One X user, @skinnie4life, praised the moment saying, “We go use idobale wound the disrespectful lots. An Omoluabi will never denigrate anybody that prostrates for elders or desecrates our culture.”

However, not everyone agreed. Others criticized the insistence on the entourage to prostrate, especially in the context of traditional hierarchy. “This is in bad taste and shameful. This man is lowering the honour of a once highly revered throne,” one user posted.

There were also debates on whether the entourage should have been made to bow before the First Lady at all. A user, @JustICE_Fairn, questioned, “It’s like asking the ADC to a governor or president to salute a civilian. It can’t happen.”

Some commentators tried to clarify what happened, claiming that the First Lady acknowledged the entourage could not bow due to the staffs of office they carried. According to them, the Ooni asked for the staffs to be handed over before instructing them to prostrate again.

Meanwhile, others saw it as a moment of cultural beauty and mutual honour. “Such a beautiful moment of unity and respect—truly inspiring to see tradition and leadership come together with grace,” wrote @Geotax35.

Still, critics expressed concern about what they described as excessive subservience, with a user writing, “The Ooni behaves like someone who had the crown handed to him in error.”

The incident highlights the continuing debate around cultural practices, evolving modern roles, and respect for institutions in Nigeria. While some Nigerians applaud the preservation of customs like prostration and traditional greetings, others question how and when they should be observed, especially in contemporary political settings.

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