Veteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie has caused a stir online over the manner he greeted the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, at a recent occasion.
The incident happened at the birthday party of Tein Jack-rich’s wife, Elizabeth Jack-rich, a Nigerian philanthropist and businesswoman.
In the viral video Pete was seen shaking hands with Oonj of Ife Instead of bowing or prostrating to the renowned Osun monarch as is required by Yoruba tradition.
The 76-year-old actor was led to the Ooni of Ife’s seat with his wife and other dignitaries after arriving at the high-class event with his colleague Kanayo O. Kanayo.
Pete Edochie gave the monarch three back handshakes instead of the customary royal bow. Kanoyo O. Kanoyo also shook hands with the king.
Many people reacted angrily, asking why Pete can’t bow to greet the Ooni of Ice.
@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 everytime like this attracts disrespect to his throne. Instead of him to send 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