See Reactions To Steel Minister Audu’s Prostration To Tinubu

See Reactions To Steel Minister Audu’s Prostration To Tinubu

Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, garnered a mixture of amusement and confusion during his swearing-in ceremony on Monday when he knelt down before President Bola Tinubu.

Audu, one of the 45 ministers inaugurated at the event held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, surprised many when he went down on all fours before President Tinubu right after taking his oath of office. Audu, originally from Kogi State, approached Tinubu and performed the gesture of prostration before receiving a handshake from the President.

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The video of this action sparked diverse reactions from the public. Some Nigerians on social media, particularly on platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter), commended the act as a sign of respect in Yoruba culture. However, others expressed criticism and confusion over the unusual gesture.

Expressing support, one user @DUKEVALENTINO88 said, “Mr President seemed pleased with it. I suppose it’s cultural.”

@lolusada argued that Audu emulated the Yorùbá tradition, saying, “Some would call him an Omolúàbí.”

For @jnoneso, the act was a good example. The user said it is always an honour and a great privilege to be called upon to serve, adding that honour always acknowledges and is grateful openly for the privilege received.

@OhinoyiRay1 said, “We are Africans… Respect for Elders is mandatory. There is nothing new under the sun in Africa.”

Another user, David Oluwaseun said if it were him, he would not just prostrate but roll on the floor in appreciation.

@Mayokun said the body language suggested gratitude for the opportunity to serve, adding, “For we Yorubas, it’s purely cultural. We will naturally be inclined to do so to the elderly as a sign of respect before shaking hands the oyinbo way.”

However, @Oluwa_bamz took issue with the gesture, saying, “This is an official event (for goodness’ sake).”

@Bn2murphy also argued that the gesture was too elaborate, saying, “They should have done this formally and come forth to take oath as usual”

Similarly, @BabajoUmarAbub1 thought prostrating was “too much”.