Call me TOE or Mr Elumelu: Viral video sparks debate over workplace first-name culture

A viral video capturing a moment between United Bank for Africa Group Chairman Tony Elumelu and a young executive trainee has ignited a widespread discussion across Nigerian workplaces regarding the culture of addressing superiors by their first names.

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Okay. No, you won’t call me Tony. You’ll call me Mr Elumelu or TOE. You won’t call me Tony, or Chairman. I don’t subscribe to that kind of… Oyinbo life, okay?

The incident occurred during a UBA Graduate Management Accelerated Programme graduation ceremony. The trainee began her address with "Good morning, Tony," prompting Elumelu to clarify his preferred form of address. "Okay. No, you won’t call me Tony. You’ll call me Mr Elumelu or TOE. You won’t call me Tony, or Chairman. I don’t subscribe to that kind of… Oyinbo life, okay?" he stated, before the trainee continued with "Mr. Elumelu."

The exchange has since fueled a debate among corporate professionals and the public. Opinions are split on whether first-name policies should be strictly enforced across all organizational levels or if deference based on age, rank, and context should prevail. Some argue that such policies can create confusion, while others believe they foster a more egalitarian environment.

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I am surprised that Tony Elumelu objects to being addressed publicly by his first name. For years, his first name was central to his public and industry branding.

Commentators have revisited their own workplace experiences, with some defending Elumelu's stance, citing the age and status difference. Others, like Jide Akintunde, expressed surprise, noting Elumelu's historical public association with the name "Tony." Akintunde suggested the correction could have been handled more privately, arguing that public admonishment from a figure of Elumelu's stature could be humiliating and that being addressed by a first name does not diminish his status.

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It likely took immense courage for a trainee to speak up in front of him, and a public correction from such a towering personality can be deeply humiliating.