Elumelu Name Etiquette Sparks Debate: Billionaire Cautions Lady, Bankers Defend Her
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 the Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu, and a newly recruited employee has ignited widespread discussion regarding corporate etiquette and cultural norms within Nigerian banking institutions. During the induction ceremony for 5,000 new staff members at UBA, a young woman referred to Mr. Elumelu simply as 'Tony' while addressing him. This prompted a swift caution from the billionaire businessman, who expressed his disapproval of what he termed 'Oyinbo' (Western) culture in this context, preferring to be addressed with a prefix such as 'Mr. Elumelu,' 'TOE,' or 'Chairman.'
The incident quickly circulated on social media, leading to varied reactions. However, a significant number of former and current bank employees came forward to defend the young woman, shedding light on a corporate practice that often encourages first-name addressing, even for high-ranking superiors. They argued that the new recruit might have been adhering to internal training protocols that promote a more informal, yet professional, environment.
Daniel Chukwuemeka, a former Access Bank employee, recounted a similar experience where a branch secretary almost lost her job for addressing the then-CEO, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede (Aig), with 'sir' during a surprise visit. He explained that the branch manager had to intervene, stating the secretary was new. Chukwuemeka further elaborated that this practice of first-name addressing is common in the corporate world to cultivate a cordial professional environment. He confirmed this culture was also prevalent at Diamond Bank, where he addressed the then-CEO, Alex Otti (now the governor of Abia state), by his first name during his final interview.
Another business leader, Modupe Okeowo, shared a compelling anecdote on X (formerly Twitter) about an incident at Access Bank approximately 15 years ago. During an induction class, the best recruit was reportedly disengaged by Herbert Wigwe, the late Deputy CEO, for addressing him as 'Mr. Herbert.' Wigwe apparently believed this indicated a failure to fully absorb the induction training, which mandated first-name addressing. Okeowo suggested that while situational awareness is crucial, the young woman's action in the UBA incident was likely an honest mistake, possibly influenced by conflicting corporate training messages.
The contrasting perspectives highlight a nuanced aspect of corporate culture in Nigeria: while some leaders, like Tony Elumelu, prefer traditional titles to reflect respect and hierarchy, other prominent banking institutions have historically fostered a culture of first-name addressing to create a more accessible and collegiate atmosphere among employees. This incident underscores the importance of clear communication regarding workplace etiquette, especially for new recruits navigating diverse corporate expectations.