I did not fall, I only ‘dobale’ – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has clarified that his action at Eagle Square during the 2024 Democracy Day celebration was ‘dobale,’ a Yoruba term for prostration. 

Tinubu insisted that he did not slip and fall, as some might have interpreted, but rather performed a traditional Yoruba gesture.

Cameras captured President Tinubu appearing to stumble as he climbed a parade vehicle during the June 12 celebration at Eagle Square in Abuja. 

Addressing the incident during the Democracy Day dinner night at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu said, “Early this morning, I had a swagger and it’s on social media. 

They’re confused whether I was doing bugger or babariga. But it is a day to celebrate democracy, why doing dobale on the day? I’m a traditionally Yoruba boy. I did my dobale.”