Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has defended Super Falcons for kneeling while greeting President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Remi Tinubu during their reception at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, describing the gesture as a proud expression of Nigerian cultural values.
The Falcons were received by Tinubu on Monday after winning the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, their 10th title in the competition’s history.
During the ceremony, some of the players were seen kneeling while paying homage to the President and First Lady, sparking criticism from some Nigerians who viewed the act as subservient and inappropriate for national heroes.
In a series of social media posts, Omokri strongly condemned the backlash, stating that kneeling or bowing to show respect is embedded in Nigerian culture and should not be misconstrued as a loss of dignity.
“This is a photo of the then British Prime Minister, Theresa May, kneeling to greet Prince William on Thursday, August 9, 2018… By age, she is 25 years older than Prince William,” Omokri wrote, arguing that deference to leaders and elders is a universal tradition, not exclusive to Nigeria.
“The act of kneeling or bowing down to greet the Head of State of a country and worthy elders does not strip you of your dignity. It only shows that you are a cultured person,” he added.
Omokri cited examples of respected Nigerian figures who have shown similar gestures.
He mentioned former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who has been seen prostrating to traditional rulers like the Ooni of Ife and Olu of Warri and the Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who prostrated before legal icon Afe Babalola and musician Wizkid, who prostrated for King Sunny Ade.
“Are you better than them? No wonder you are where you are! Do not let them gaslight you. The Super Falcons acted in a most dignified manner by kneeling to greet President Bola Tinubu. Only uncultured and uncouth people consider such a civilised and virtuous action as undignified,” he wrote.
The Super Falcons have been widely celebrated following their WAFCON triumph, receiving national honours, cash gifts of $100,000 each and three-bedroom apartments from President Tinubu.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade also presented the WAFCON trophy to the president during the ceremony.
Despite the praise and rewards, the kneeling gesture remained a talking point on social media, prompting Omokri to weigh in on the broader cultural implications.
