Actress Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi has responded to online criticism over her habit of kneeling to greet elders, describing the gesture as a reflection of her upbringing and cultural heritage rather than performative flattery.

In a statement shared on social media on Saturday, the actress addressed mixed reactions to a viral video from the birthday celebration of former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

The clip captured her kneeling to greet billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya, his wife Shade Okoya and other older guests, prompting some critics to describe the act as “abosi”, a Yoruba term used to suggest eye service or insincerity.

Abraham, however, maintained that her actions are rooted in respect for tradition and values instilled in her from a young age.

“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.

The actress, who was raised in the Yoruba tradition of showing deference through physical gestures such as kneeling for women and prostrating for men, insisted the practice remains central to 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 said.

She further committed to transmitting these values to younger generations, framing her stance as an effort to preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage in the face of modernisation and shifting social norms.

“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 added.

In a prior response to a fan who urged her to “package” herself better to avoid disrespect, she had declared: “I won’t stop kneeling to people who value and deserve it… no matter the status.”