Minister of Steel Development Shuaibu Audu drew amusement and bewilderment when he went down on all fours before President Bola Tinubu during his swearing-in ceremony on Monday.

Audu is one of 45 ministers who were inaugurated at the event which was held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Moments after taking his oath of office, the Kogi State native approached Tinubu and prostrated in front of him, before receiving a handshake from the President.

The video received mixed reactions with some Nigerians on X, formerly Twitter, hailing the act as a gesture of respect in the Yoruba culture, while others were critical.

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.” (Courtesy, excluding headline, Channels TV)

•Shuaibu Audu at his inauguration as the Minister of Steel Development in Abuja, prostrating for President Bola Tinubu

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