Legendary Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, has become the center of attention following a video that surfaced on social media, capturing his meeting with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
The viral video has stirred conflicting emotions and sparked a fervent cultural debate among viewers.
In the video, the veteran actor can be seen extending a warm handshake to the Ooni, a gesture that has ignited a passionate exchange of opinions.
While some individuals believe that Edochie should have bowed in deference to the king, others argue that his esteemed status and widespread respect negate the necessity for such a display.
The comments section on social media platforms has been flooded with diverse viewpoints on the matter.
Here are some comments on the subject according to My Nigeria;
Alausa_O, a user, asserts, “There is absolutely nothing wrong in this video. Two people from two different cultures. You don’t expect Chief Peter Edochie to prostrate for the Ooni. If both of them were Yoruba, that’s a different case. Every man must uphold his culture.”
Another user, ugwu_nwobodo, contemplates the possibility of the Ooni having Igbo ancestry, stating, “Are we sure that Ooni does not have Igbo blood running in his veins? Imagine him being ‘Igbonized’ here, greeting Igbo chiefs in Igbo style at what apparently looks like a Yoruba function. Ooni is truly detribalized!”
jonze_boy added his perspective, highlighting the wisdom of the Ooni and the cultural considerations at play: “Ooni has wisdom, which is the first value in the Yoruba system. Pete Edochie is an old man and also a Chief, and as an Igbo man, the Ooni doesn’t expect him to bow down. Instead, a handshake was the only appropriate gesture in this scenario.”
EngDammyLtd commends the display of respect, emphasizing the bond between the two individuals: “That’s respect. Despite the Ooni being a king, he knows Edochie is like a father to him, and that says a lot about Yoruba culture. Otherwise, Edochie would have prostrated.”
Oistien_VanMowo weighs in, noting the cultural context of the encounter: “He greeted the Ooni the way Chiefs greet. All those people ranting, na them sabi.”
Chi_Mekus emphasizes the distinction between Edochie and the subjects of the Ooni, stating, “Pete Edochie is not his subject. Ooni is a king only to his people.”
jagabanolu commented, “Ooni of Ife, in Yoruba land, is a first-class monarch, and Edochie is not one, not even by law… It’s like saying Edochie is on the same rank as the Obi of Onitsha! Yes, Edochie is a great actor and has accomplished much, but that doesn’t mean he is on the same level as the Ooni, even with his age.”
Another user, Drwhales_wrote: “How did you expect the Ooni to be greeted in this setting? Some of you are funny. Two mature men quickly understood the settings, their different cultures and still were able to do the greetings very respectfully and agreeably. What else should they have done?”
