A heartwarming family moment between Chioma Adeleke and her billionaire father-in-law has unexpectedly ignited a cultural firestorm across social media platforms in Nigeria.
The Viral Video That Started It All
The controversy began when a video surfaced showing music superstar Davido and his wife Chioma arriving at what appeared to be a family gathering. The clip, published on November 25, 2025, quickly gained traction online as it captured the moment Chioma approached her seated father-in-law, Deji Adeleke.
In the now-viral footage, the couple exchanged warm pleasantries with the elder Adeleke before moving on to greet other attendees at the event. While the interaction appeared cordial and respectful to casual observers, it immediately drew sharp criticism from certain quarters of Nigerian social media.
Cultural Clash Divides Netizens
The core of the controversy centered on how Chioma, who is of Igbo heritage, greeted her Yoruba father-in-law. Many critics argued that she should have gone on her knees as a sign of respect according to Yoruba tradition.
Social media platforms became battlegrounds for cultural debate, with comments reflecting deep-seated ethnic perspectives. One user, olridwan, commented: "Can you imagine. If we tell our people not to marry an ibo. They'll think we are doing too much. Look at this one now."
Another user, yorubaideology, added: "That's what happens when you marry Ibo girls. Can a mannerless woman raise a well mannered children? No."
Defending Cultural Differences
However, many netizens rushed to Chioma's defense, explaining that kneeling isn't part of Igbo cultural greeting customs. User lordfoster102 noted: "Shes igbo and igbos dont kneel nor bow to anyone.... whether married to a yoruba or any tribe, its a taboo."
Emmax_Somi offered a more progressive perspective: "Chioma no kneel because she's a Queen, not a maid. Davido himself isn't complaining, yet una blood dey hot for tradition wey no put food for una table."
AccountingZest provided cultural context: "Kneeling down is a Yoruba way of showing respect, in Igbo we don't do that. It's that simple... Still doesn't mean she's not respectful!"
The debate highlighted ongoing cultural tensions in inter-ethnic marriages within Nigeria, with some commentators like damascots2014 urging tolerance: "You wey de kneel down, how come nobody knows you Allow people live their lives."
Broader Context of Chioma's Public Appearances
This isn't the first time Chioma's public behavior has drawn attention. The controversy comes shortly after she made headlines for her reaction during Davido's 33rd birthday celebration in Atlanta, where some observers claimed she appeared uncomfortable as the singer lavished money on female dancers.
However, positive moments have also emerged, including a recently trending video showing Chioma sharing a cute moment with Davido's daughter, Hailey Adeleke. The heartwarming clip depicted the two conversing affectionately, demonstrating the developing bond within the blended family.
As the greeting debate continues to rage online, it raises broader questions about cultural expectations in modern Nigerian marriages and how traditions evolve in increasingly multicultural family settings.
