On a Nollywood set that should have been just another day at work, something special happened. Lateef Adedimeji walked up to veteran actor ...
On a Nollywood set that should have been just another day at work, something special happened. Lateef Adedimeji walked up to veteran actor Nkem Owoh, prostrated — a traditional gesture of deep respect — and held his hand in a moment that stopped the internet. It’s the kind of scene that evokes memories of when rising star Timini Egba knelt before veteran Richard Mofe-Damijo on set, reminding us that in Nigerian cinema, respect often speaks louder than lines.
Lights, camera… and instant emotion. On location earlier this week, Nollywood’s beloved comedian-turned-legend Nkem Owoh was seated when Lateef Adedimeji approached, greeted him, and dropped to his knees in full prostration. The clip, shared on Lateef’s Instagram, quickly swept through feeds, sparking praise for the powerful gesture.
From the moment Lateef bowed his head and wrapped one hand around Owoh’s warm handshake, viewers could feel something rare: genuine reverence. He described Owoh as “our great ancestor,” prayed for his long life and said he was grateful for the opportunity to share space with his senior. The pair exchanged smiles, taps on the back, and a handshake that said more than words ever could.
Fans flooded the comment sections with admiration. One fan said:
“Your humility is top notch. You’re blessed.”
Another wrote:
“The ‘I go see all of una before I die’ line from Owoh got me emotional — Legends meeting the next wave with love.”
The cultural vibe here is strong. Among Yoruba actors especially, prostration remains a deep-rooted sign of honour. This moment echoes another viral clip from last year when rising actor Ibrahim Chatta respectfully greeted veteran Sola Sobowale at a premiere and left fans in tears of nostalgia and respect.
But it wasn’t just the tradition that resonated. It felt like a bridge between generations, a real human connection in an industry often painted as competitive. For Lateef — who is fast becoming a commanding force in Yoruba-language cinema — showing such humility was a statement: no matter how far you go, the roots remain.
Still, some cynics chimed in. “One video meets legend, tomorrow video will be album promo,” one user joked. At the same time, supporters pointed out that in a scene where public image sometimes overshadows character, this was refreshingly real.
For Owoh, lounging on the sofa yet visibly pleased, the moment wasn’t about ego — it was about legacy. He smiled, shook Lateef’s hand, and said he believed in meeting all his peers, old and new, before his time was up. It’s a philosophy that many Nigerian stars quietly hold but seldom display so openly.