Nigerians on social media have reacted with concern and criticism after a video surfaced showing Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo kneeling before the President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio.
The footage, which quickly went viral on Friday, captures Governor Monday Okpebholo in what appears to be a moment of deference during a visit to the Senate president.
The act, rare for a sitting governor, has stirred debate among citizens, with many questioning the implications for political dignity and leadership integrity.
“This is disgraceful. A governor should never have to kneel to a senator, no matter the situation,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter), echoing sentiments shared widely across social platforms.
Others speculated that the gesture might be linked to political negotiations or efforts to secure federal support. However, as of press time, neither Governor Obaseki nor Senator Akpabio had officially addressed the incident or offered clarification.
Critics say the kneeling incident symbolizes the unhealthy power dynamics that often define Nigerian politics, while some defenders argue it could be a cultural expression of respect or a strategic gesture in a high-stakes political environment.
Meanwhile, political analysts say the move, whether symbolic or strategic, comes at a time when relationships between state and federal actors are under close public scrutiny.
The picture’s emergence adds another layer to ongoing conversations about political humility, federal influence, and the autonomy of state executives in Nigeria’s democratic system.