Tony Elumelu and Awele Elumelu cancelled their annual TOE All-White Party in Lagos, honoring six staff members tragically killed in a September fire at Afriland Towers, opting for a season of reflection instead of celebration.
Chairman of the United Bank for Africa, Tony Elumelu, has cancelled his annual TOE All-White Party in honour of the six staff members who perished in the September fire at Afriland Towers, Lagos. In a message shared via Instagram, he said he and his wife, Awele, made the “difficult decision” to suspend this year’s December 23 celebration, explaining that the period calls for “reflection and compassion” and will be dedicated to remembering those who lost their lives. “We’ve received so many messages from friends asking about our annual TOE All-White Party on 23rd December. Your excitement and tradition mean the world to us. However, due to the recent tragic fire incident that claimed precious lives, Awele and I have made the decision to cancel the party this year.
This season will be dedicated to remembering, honouring, and holding space for those we lost. They remain forever in our hearts,” he wrote. The Elumelus also expressed hope to reopen their home for the celebration on December 23, 2026, and wished followers a peaceful Christmas. Tony Elumelu, an economist, philanthropist, and founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, was named among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2020.