The controversy surrounding the Ooni of Ife’s handshake with veteran actor Pete Edochie and actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has sparked numerous reactions among netizens.
During the birthday celebration of Nigerian philanthropist Elizabeth Jack-rich, the 46-year-old Ooni of Ife met with the 76-year-old Pete Edochie and Kanayo.
However, Pete Edochie has faced criticism from internet users who believe he should have prostrated before the king instead of offering three backhand claps.
Chipping in her two cents, actress, Esther Nwachukwu expressed her disapproval of the Yoruba people’s demand for Pete Edochie to show respect by prostrating before the Ooni of Ife.
According to Esther, Pete Edochie is a respected figure in Igboland, and she finds it disrespectful for the Yoruba people to expect him to bow down to the Ooni of Ife. She criticized the Yoruba people and their culture, accusing them of practising insincere homage. She pointed out that while the Yorubas greet others with gestures like prostration and kneeling, they are hypocritical in their actions and quick to insult those they initially showed respect.
She added that it should be the Ooni of Ife who prostrates before Pete Edochie owing to the age difference, and she called for an apology from the Ooni to the veteran actor.
In her words:
“Yoruba people how dare you expect 76years old Pete Edochie who is a revered Titled Man in Igboland to bow down to greet the Ooni of Ife, Don’t you guys have respect, you all believe so much in eye service greetings, on a normal day it’s supposed to be the Oni of Ife who kneels down and prostrates to greet the Legendary Nollywood actor Pete Edochie.”
Watch the video below: