A viral picture showing Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo kneeling before the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has sparked outrage and widespread debate on social media, especially on Twitter (now X), where users expressed shock, disappointment, and concern over the optics of the gesture.
The picture, which began trending Friday morning, captures the moment Governor Okpebholo bowed on a knee before Akpabio during a visit, prompting a flood of reactions from Nigerians questioning the governor’s motive and what it symbolizes about political power dynamics in the country.
“This is not loyalty, it’s subjugation. Why would a sitting governor kneel to a senator? Nigeria’s democracy is truly upside down,” tweeted @chiomaWrites.
Another user, @Odogwu_NG, wrote: “A whole executive governor kneeling like a schoolboy before a Senate president? Is this politics or palace drama?”
Some commenters suggested the act might be connected to political interests. “Okpebholo is trying to secure federal backing for God knows what. But must he kneel to do that?” asked @Seyi4Change.
Others defended the governor, pointing to cultural factors. “In Benin culture, kneeling can be a sign of respect. Let’s not misinterpret every gesture,” tweeted @OsagieBenin.
Still, the overwhelming majority of responses condemned the gesture, with many calling it an embarrassing display that undermines the authority of state governors and fuels perceptions of weak leadership.
“Nigerian politicians have no shame. Okpebholo kneeling before Akpabio shows how desperate some of them are to stay in favour with Abuja,” tweeted @MsAminat.
As the picture continues to circulate, neither Governor Monday Okpebholo nor Senator Akpabio has issued a statement regarding the encounter.
Political observers say the backlash reflects deeper frustrations among Nigerians about the imbalance of power and the lengths some leaders go to for political survival.