A fresh social media storm has erupted around the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, following the emergence of a new video from his recent visit to Lagos State. The clip, which has gone viral, captures the precise moment the revered traditional ruler exchanged handshakes with Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Contrasting Greetings Fuel Public Debate
This latest video has ignited intense controversy and drawn sharp comparisons online. It comes directly on the heels of another widely circulated clip that showed a female executive being blocked by the monarch's aide when she attempted to offer a handshake. The stark contrast between the two interactions has become the focal point of a heated national conversation about protocol, gender, and social hierarchy.
The footage shows the Olu of Warri standing up to warmly greet and shake hands with Governor Sanwo-Olu during a meeting in Lagos. The visit, which took place in early January 2026, included the monarch's attendance at the Storytellers Conference held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts. Governor Sanwo-Olu also personally conducted a tour of the renovated National Theatre in Iganmu for the king, showcasing upgraded facilities like the Wole Soyinka Centre.
Netizens React to Perceived Double Standard
The online reaction has been swift and divided, with many users highlighting the perceived irony in the monarch's actions. Comments compiled from social media platforms reveal a spectrum of opinions. Some defended the protocol, arguing that the governor, as the chief executive of the state, holds a distinct position of authority.
One user, tontolofabrics, commented, "Why would she stretch her hand first in the first place....hierarchy-wise, they are definitely not on the same level." Another, ksolo_hitz, added, "She for wait for the King hand first not throwing an handshake to the King." Others pointed to cultural traditions, with defenderofjust noting, "The King in most Africa culture don’t handshake females, …..because of the impurity of period sometimes."
However, a significant number of reactions criticized the apparent discrepancy. User ashleightatti remarked, "lol the girl couldn’t shake you but the under performing governor can smh everything is rigged in Nigeria even culture." Similarly, _ismo99 observed, "So he shakes people’s hands after all, just not the ordinary people’s hands." Jamesdeyemi expressed dismay, saying, "Oh, my Goodness! He just shook hand the Gov. Sanwo Olu and the Bodyguard refuse that Lady, this is not nice at all."
Royal Visit Included Meeting with BBNaija Stars
Separately, the Olu of Warri's recent engagements have also included hosting former Big Brother Naija reality stars, Kellyrae and Kassia. The couple, dressed in Itsekiri-themed attire, visited the monarch and took photographs, a meeting that delighted their fans who recalled prophecies of royal honour made during their time on the show.
This incident adds another layer to the public profile of Ogiame Atuwatse III, who had previously made headlines for inspecting road projects in his kingdom while riding a scooter. The handshake debate continues to trend, underscoring the ongoing public scrutiny of traditional institutions and their interaction with modern Nigerian society.
