VIDEO: I don’t subscribe to Oyinbo life, Nigeria’s Elumelu schools lady for calling him by first name

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🇬🇭 Here's What Happened

Tony Elumelu is a Nigerian billionaire businessman, investor, and philanthropist.

In the viral video, the woman was heard saying, “Good morning, Tony,” while addressing the businessman, who initially appeared to take the remark lightly, responding, “Toyin? Toyin?” When she clarified that she had said “Good morning, Tony,” Elumelu then explained that he preferred to be addressed as “Mr Elumelu” or “TOE.”

The woman subsequently corrected herself, saying, “Good morning, Mr Elumelu,” before proceeding with her question.

📌 Key Details

The exchange, captured in a video from the event and widely shared on social media, has triggered mixed reactions among Nigerians, with some applauding Elumelu’s response while others argued that the young graduate may have been following modern corporate culture, where employees are sometimes encouraged to address senior executives by their first names.

One social media user, on X #ibnjaafar1205, said the issue was less about Elumelu’s wealth and more about social awareness.

“This isn’t about Tony Elumelu being a billionaire. It’s about basic social intelligence. If you are on a formal stage addressing someone in his official capacity, there is a difference between knowing him and addressing him appropriately,” the user wrote.

Another user, #Ms_ronkeh, also criticised the woman’s choice of words, arguing that even in Western corporate environments, familiarity was usually established before using someone’s first name.

“Even in the so-called ‘Western world’, your formality should still be by title ‘Mr, Mrs/Miss’. Tony? Na you born am?” the user said.

However, some Nigerians offered a different perspective, suggesting that the young woman may have been following the conventions of corporate workplaces where employees are sometimes encouraged to address colleagues and senior executives by their first names.

📰 Source: Joy Online Ghana

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