Tony Elumelu sparks debate after correcting trainee for calling him 'Tony'

Nigerian businessman and former Chairman of Heirs Holdings and United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu, has sparked debate on social media after correcting a young woman who addressed him by his first name at a public event.

In a video circulating online, Elumelu was interacting with employees when a graduate trainee of the UBA Banking School stood up to ask a question.

However, the trainee addressed the billionaire simply as “Tony” while speaking to him.

Elumelu appeared surprised by the manner in which he had been addressed and immediately interrupted her, asking that she refer to him as “Chairman” or “Mr Elumelu” instead.

He explained that he did not subscribe to what he described as an overly casual approach to addressing senior figures in professional settings.

Elumelu further said he did not believe in what he referred to as the “oyinbo life”, suggesting that African workplace culture should not necessarily adopt informal practices associated with Western societies.

The exchange, although brief, has generated significant discussion online, with social media users expressing differing views on whether the trainee’s use of Elumelu’s first name was inappropriate.

Mixed reactions online

Some social media users supported Elumelu’s position, arguing that professional environments require employees to observe appropriate forms of address, particularly when interacting with senior executives or corporate leaders.

They said using titles such as “Chairman” or “Mr Elumelu” can demonstrate respect and recognise the hierarchy that exists within an organisation.

Others, however, viewed the incident differently, arguing that addressing someone by their first name does not necessarily amount to disrespect, particularly in modern workplaces where organisations increasingly promote less formal relationships between executives and employees.

Some also suggested that the trainee may have been influenced by changing workplace norms, where senior executives often encourage employees to communicate with them more informally to create a more open and accessible environment.

The viral incident has reignited discussions about the balance between respect, workplace hierarchy and changing professional culture.

Tony Elumelu is one of Nigeria’s most prominent businessmen who recently stepped down as Chairman of Heirs Holdings and UBA.

Through his business interests, he has investments across sectors including banking, energy, hospitality, real estate and healthcare.

He is also known for his philanthropic work through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which supports African entrepreneurs through funding, training and mentorship.

Watch the viral video and reactions below:

Trending video of the moment a Gen Z called Tony Elumelu “Tony” at a conference; he corrected her instantly.

“You won’t call me Tony. I’m not those boys. I don’t subscribe to that kind of Oyibo life. Call me..” pic.twitter.com/Ls9kM4nVCd

— Trending Explained (@TrendingEx) August 20, 2026

Full video of the question-and-answer session between billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu and a young lady who addressed him as “Tony” during UBA’s Graduate Management Accelerated Programme https://t.co/DYVWgSC2qz pic.twitter.com/VtZYdZralX

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) August 20, 2026

This video has done entire justice to the Tony Elumelu situation, and I think everyone should watch it. This is journalism ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rBiCmV7rfQ

— Alaga Of Abuja 🐺 (@KIRAAH_) August 21, 2026

Billionaire Tony Elumelu Corrects Trainee for Calling Him 'Tony' at UBA Event pic.twitter.com/suZI7Cnzfg

— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) August 20, 2026

UBA chairman Tony Elumelu schools graduate trainee on addressing him by his first name.

On Arise 360 @themancjay and @seyitanatigarin discuss the importance of reading the room when addressing certain individuals. pic.twitter.com/jBJ2JxPX4p

— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) August 21, 2026

Local champion.

Look at him here, crossing his legs like Peter Okoye when he met Dangote, humbly accepting to be called just “Tony” by a foreign interviewer who is young enough to be his daughter.

“I don’t subscribe to that Oyibo thing”

But you will go and receive Oyibo… https://t.co/QtzxHc1cj1 pic.twitter.com/p5rKObgCzf

— Biggest Mack (@Big_Mck) August 20, 2026

An old interview of Tony Elumelu at Stanford Graduate School of Business, USA resurfaces and has people talking. https://t.co/j3ob0GVNvK pic.twitter.com/UVOXR5pEUI

— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) August 20, 2026

What began as a question during UBA’s graduate management programme graduation ceremony has become a conversation about respect and cultural expectations after Tony Elumelu corrected a graduate who addressed him simply as “Tony”. Is Nigeria becoming too casual with respect?… pic.twitter.com/qPxJ4wUQ2F

— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) August 21, 2026

Daddy freeze react to Gen Z trainee calling Billionaire Tony Elumelu “Tony” at UBA conference pic.twitter.com/14wbHkaPur

— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) August 20, 2026