
Nigerian actor Adeniyi Johnson has left fans in stitches after sharing a humorous post that has quickly gone viral, proving once again that Nigeria never runs out of surprises. This time, the setting was Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun State, and the object of attention wasn’t a celebrity sighting or a political gaffe—it was a simple foot mat placed at the entrance of a toilet.
In a post that has since sparked laughter and confusion across social media, the popular Yoruba movie star uploaded a photo of a toilet entrance where a foot mat boldly displayed something completely unexpected: “Cooking Time”. The phrase, clearly meant for a kitchen timetable or food-related routine, found its way to a restroom setting, leaving many puzzled and amused, including the actor himself.
Adeniyi Johnson captioned the photo with a playful remark, “Only in Abeokuta,” followed by a string of laughing emojis, and instantly, fans knew they were in for another episode of “You can’t make this up – Nigerian edition.”
Social media erupted within minutes. Instagram users flooded the comment section with their own interpretations and jokes. “Maybe they’re cooking something else in there,” one user teased. Another wrote, “I always knew toilets in Abeokuta were different,” followed by laughing emojis. Yet another commenter added, “At this point, the mat is telling us something deeper. We’re just not ready for that conversation.”
This unexpected discovery highlights the charming unpredictability of everyday Nigerian life. In a country where people have developed the unique ability to find humour in the most ordinary or confusing situations, Johnson’s post was not just a random moment—it was a mirror reflecting the nation’s enduring spirit of laughter, improvisation, and resilience.
Johnson’s post also reignited conversations about the culture of repurposing items in Nigeria. The country is no stranger to seeing objects reused in ways that defy logic, instruction, or manufacturer intention. From using wedding invitation cards as book covers to hanging traffic signs in bedrooms as décor, Nigerians have become experts at giving new meanings to things. The “Cooking Time” mat in a toilet, while hilarious, fits right into that tradition.
In a phone interview with a local radio station later in the day, Johnson, still laughing, confirmed that the photo was taken at a location he had visited in Abeokuta while on a movie set. He clarified that he wasn’t mocking anyone but simply found the scene too amusing not to share. “I respect my people in Abeokuta. It was just one of those things you see and you just know you have to post it,” he said.
“It’s those little things that remind us of how much creativity and randomness we carry as a people,” Johnson continued. “I wasn’t expecting that at all. I just wanted to use the toilet, and boom—I see a mat that tells me cooking time. I nearly lost it!”
The phrase “Only in Abeokuta” began trending shortly after his post, with other users contributing their own bizarre or hilarious encounters from the ancient city. Some shared stories of okadas (commercial motorcycles) transporting mattresses, others posted videos of goats joining schoolchildren in morning assemblies. The city suddenly became the stage for collective amusement and gentle self-ridicule, and no one was complaining.
One Twitter user wrote, “Only in Abeokuta will you see a foot mat with breakfast hours at the toilet and still walk past it like it’s normal.” Another chimed in, “Abeokuta doesn’t send your expectations. The city is living its best life!”
But beyond the jokes, the viral post sparked subtle commentary on the informal economy and the culture of recycling in Nigeria. Many speculated that the mat may have been donated, picked up from a second-hand market, or simply available at a discounted price, regardless of its written message. In a society where affordability often trumps accuracy, people tend to prioritize function over form. If it can soak up water, who cares if it mentions jollof rice timing?
This practice, while often hilarious, also underscores the broader economic realities faced by many Nigerians. Items that would be discarded in other countries often find new purpose here. It's part necessity, part ingenuity, and part cultural flair. And if something gets a laugh out of it, all the better.
Meanwhile, Johnson’s fans are still rolling with the joke. Memes have started circulating, photoshopping the “Cooking Time” mat into scenes from famous Nigerian movies, restaurants, and even political offices. In one viral meme, the mat appears in front of a governor’s door with the caption, “When the budget is cooked in private.”
As the laughter dies down, many fans are praising Johnson not just for his sense of humour, but for his authenticity. Known for his ability to relate to everyday Nigerian experiences, Johnson has long established himself as a man of the people. Whether he’s on set, in traffic, or accidentally discovering mismatched mats, he never hesitates to connect with his audience in genuine, light-hearted ways.
The story also serves as a reminder that in a world full of stress, political tension, economic hardship, and social uncertainty, sometimes all it takes is a funny mat in the wrong place to bring a moment of collective joy. Nigerians have mastered the art of turning ordinary mistakes or quirks into comedy gold, and this was no different.
While some may have missed the joke at first glance, those familiar with the everyday randomness of Nigerian life instantly understood the comedic gold in the scene. And in true Nigerian fashion, the public didn’t let the moment pass without milking every drop of laughter from it.
As for the infamous mat, it may never know the fame it has generated online, but one thing is certain: it has earned its place in the unofficial Hall of Fame of Nigerian memes and comedy moments. And thanks to Adeniyi Johnson’s quick eye and even quicker sense of humour, “Cooking Time” may now forever be remembered not as a kitchen phrase, but as a bathroom memory that brought the internet together.
Indeed, only in Abeokuta.