Tony Elumelu’s ‘call me TOE or Mr Elumelu’ remark sparks workplace etiquette debate

A viral video showing UBA Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, correcting a young trainee who addressed him by his first name has sparked widespread debate over workplace etiquette, hierarchy and the growing culture of using first names in Nigerian corporate organisations.

The incident occurred during the graduation ceremony of UBA’s Graduate Management Accelerated Programme, where the trainee greeted Elumelu with, “Good morning, Tony,” before asking a question during an interactive session.

Elumelu initially appeared to misunderstand her greeting, asking if she had said “Toyin.” After she clarified that she had said “Tony,” he told her to address him as “Mr Elumelu” or “TOE.”

He explained that he did not subscribe to the practice of addressing him simply as Tony or Chairman, describing it as part of an “Oyinbo life” culture.

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The trainee immediately adjusted her greeting and proceeded to ask her question.

The exchange has since generated mixed reactions on social media, with Nigerians divided over whether the young woman breached workplace etiquette or was simply following modern corporate practices that encourage employees to use first names when addressing senior colleagues.

Some critics argued that the setting was formal and that the trainee should have used a respectful title, particularly because Elumelu is significantly older and held the position of chairman at the event.

Others, however, defended the trainee, pointing out that first-name culture is common in many modern workplaces, including multinational companies and some Nigerian banks. They argued that employees may be encouraged to address senior executives by their first names as part of efforts to create a less hierarchical work environment.

The debate has also raised questions about whether workplace policies should take precedence over Nigeria’s traditional expectations surrounding age, seniority and respect.

Some Nigerians said employees should understand the culture of individual organisations and seek guidance when unsure about how to address senior executives.

Others argued that senior managers should clearly communicate their preferred form of address to employees, particularly in organisations where first-name culture is encouraged.

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The incident has therefore developed into a wider conversation about the balance between modern corporate culture and traditional Nigerian values of respect and hierarchy.

For many observers, the controversy is less about the specific exchange between Elumelu and the trainee and more about how Nigerian workplaces are evolving as younger generations enter the corporate environment with different expectations about authority, communication and professional relationships.

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