“But They Label Toyin Abraham ‘Oju Aye’” – Faithia Williams Sparks Reactions as She Kneels to Greet Veteran Actresses at Event

Nollywood actress Faithia Williams has sparked conversations online after a video of her showing respect to some of her senior colleagues at an event surfaced on social media.

The actress was among several Nollywood stars who attended a birthday celebration organised by Habeeb Alagbe in Ikeja to mark his 40th birthday. Other celebrities at the event included Mide Martins, Afeez Owo, Peju Ogunmola, Damilola Oni, Fausat Balogun, among others.

In the viral video, Faithia was seen kneeling to greet veteran actresses Peju Ogunmola, Mama Ereko and Akin Boss, a gesture that many viewers described as a reflection of Yoruba culture and traditional respect for elders.

 

The video, however, also reminded some social media users of the criticism previously faced by actress Toyin Abraham for displaying a similar gesture.

One user, Abiodun, pointed out the contrast, saying Toyin had been labelled “Oju Aye” and “Alabosi” for kneeling to greet older people, while another user praised Faithia for maintaining her cultural values.

An X user identified as Olayemi Josh wrote:

“She’s not Gen Z; she still upholds her culture.”

Another user, Naija Farmer, noted that respect is reciprocal, while Prince Adekunle described Faithia’s gesture as an example of good Yoruba upbringing.

Look at how aunty Fathia knelt down to greet those industry mamas and look at how those industry babies rwbalao coming to greet aunty Fathia 😊

That is why they say “Whatever you sow, you shall reap” 💯 pic.twitter.com/qszfOjdvsJ

— Big Uncle (@Usmanashafe) September 12, 2026

The discussion also brought back Toyin Abraham’s earlier experience when she was seen kneeling to greet Shade and Razaq Okoya at the 70th birthday celebration of Debola Lagos’ father.

Toyin had defended her action after facing criticism online, describing herself as a true Omoluabi who values and upholds her culture.

She expressed disappointment that some Nigerians now consider kneeling to greet older people as “Abosi,” explaining that she was raised to kneel when greeting elders and that the practice remains an important part of her identity.

Faithia Williams’ recent gesture has therefore reignited conversations about respect for elders, Yoruba cultural values and the different reactions celebrities receive when they publicly uphold traditional customs.