Elumelu’s Name Etiquette Sparks Debate as Bankers Defend UBA Recruit
A recent incident where a UBA recruit addressed Chairman Tony Elumelu by his first name has sparked a debate on corporate etiquette in Nigerian banks. While Elumelu expressed a preference for traditional titles, former bank employees revealed that some institutions actively encourage first-name addressing, even for CEOs, to foster a cordial professional environment, suggesting the young woman's action might have been an honest mistake.
A recent incident involving UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu and a newly recruited employee has sparked debate over corporate etiquette and cultural expectations in Nigeria’s banking sector. During an induction ceremony for 5,000 new UBA staff, the young woman reportedly addressed Elumelu simply as “Tony,” prompting him to caution her against what he described as “Oyinbo” culture and stating his preference for being addressed as “Mr. Elumelu,” “TOE,” or “Chairman.”
The incident quickly spread across social media, with reactions focusing less on the exchange itself and more on whether first-name addressing is acceptable in Nigerian corporate environments.
Former and current banking professionals defended the recruit, arguing that first-name addressing has historically been encouraged in some Nigerian banks as part of efforts to create a more informal and accessible workplace.
Former Access Bank employee Daniel Chukwuemeka recalled similar experiences involving Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Alex Otti, while business leader Modupe Okeowo recounted an incident in which the late Herbert Wigwe reportedly objected to a recruit addressing him as “Mr. Herbert” because induction training encouraged first-name usage. These accounts suggest that the young woman may have been following a corporate convention rather than deliberately showing disrespect.
The contrasting reactions expose a broader tension between hierarchical Nigerian workplace etiquette and modern corporate culture. While some executives expect formal titles as a sign of respect, others deliberately discourage them in favour of a more egalitarian professional environment, making clear communication especially important for new employees navigating different workplace expectations.