Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the United Bank for Africa and one of Africa’s most influential business leaders, has cancelled his annual TOE All-White Party in honour of the six staff members who died in the September fire at Afriland Towers in Lagos.
The fire, which tore through the high-rise building on Broad Street, left the business community in mourning and families devastated. In a message shared on his Instagram story on Tuesday, Elumelu said he and his wife, Dr. Awele Elumelu, reached a “difficult decision” to suspend this year’s edition of the widely anticipated December 23 celebration.
According to him, the moment calls for reflection, empathy, and respect for the lives lost. “Due to the recent tragic fire incident that claimed precious lives, Awele and I have made the decision to cancel the party this year,” he wrote. “This season will be dedicated to remembering, honouring, and holding space for those we lost. They remain forever in our hearts.”
He expressed gratitude to friends and guests who had reached out in anticipation of the glamorous annual event, noting that their excitement and long-standing support “mean the world” to the family. Elumelu added that the gathering would return in 2026, assuring that the doors of their home would once again open for celebration “with love, laughter, and togetherness.”
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The billionaire businessman, economist, and philanthropist—who also chairs Heirs Holdings and Transcorp, and founded the Tony Elumelu Foundation—has been widely praised for his consistent investment in people and communities. A recipient of numerous global recognitions, including Time magazine’s 2020 list of the 100 most influential people, Elumelu has often used his platform to promote compassion and leadership guided by humanity.
Elumelu and his wife, Awele, have been married since 1993 and are parents to seven children. In his message, he extended warm wishes for a peaceful Christmas season, asking for understanding as the family takes time to honour the memories of those who died in the Afriland Towers tragedy.