Veteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, has caused a stir on the internet over the way he greeted the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, at a recent event.
The incident happened during the birthday celebration of Nigerian philanthropist and wife of Nigerian oil tycoon, Tein Jack-rich, Elizabeth Jack-rich.
A video circulating on social media shows Pete Edochie shaking the revered Osun monarch instead of prostrating or bowing down to him as Yoruba custom dictates.
The 76-year-old actor attended the high-profile celebration alongside fellow actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo and upon arrival, was taken to where the Ooni of Ife was seated with his wife and other dignitaries.
Instead of bowing to the king in honor of his royal status, Pete Edochie shook his hand three times and shook him firmly. Kanayo O. Kanayo also shook hands with the king before they were led to their seats.
The video sparked a flurry of reactions on social media. Many said Pete Edochie’s behavior was disrespectful to the king, others defended him, saying the seventy-year-old is also a leader in his community.
@beninghone wrote: “This is wrong but I won’t stress it…. I let it slide!”
@ceruobodo wrote: “Try this with Alaafin of Oyo and get fucked. Who the hell are you?… Bow on your fucking knees.”
@rashid_bwhizzy wrote: “Ooni should have declined sha… if it’s your culture not to prostrate or bow to the king. It’s ours. Exchange pleasantries but no shake or anything.”
@popmerchant wrote: “Going to events every time like this attracts disrespect to his throne. Instead of him sending a representative with his Staff of office, which represents him in person. That’s one thing I like about the late Alaafin. That’s why even Kanayo dey follow you shake hands. Gen Z Oba”
@Kylareetarh wrote: “Lol people saying why didn’t Pete bow to Ooni…That 3 handshake is what Titled men give
He wouldn’t have bowed. An Igbo Titled chief wouldn’t!!”
Watch the video below,
