Elumelu controversy: Mo Abudu insists younger people must address elders respectfully

By Damilola Akinwale –

Nigerian media mogul and CEO of EbonyLife Cinema, Mo Abudu, has weighed in on the ongoing public debate over how elders should be addressed in corporate environments, stating that she expects younger people to address her respectfully in formal settings.

The media executive shared her views in a recent interview on Toke Moments, describing herself as a “very traditional” person whose beliefs are shaped by her cultural upbringing.

The sexagenarian said she does not accept being addressed by her first name by younger people, adding that she corrects them when they do so. She noted that she is more understanding when non-Yoruba people address her casually but still corrects them politely, stressing the importance of preserving cultural values.

Speaking about perceptions of women in business, Abudu argued that qualities that may be used negatively to describe successful women are often framed differently when referring to men. “If I was a man, they wouldn’t say I was a shark. They’re going to say she’s an astute businesswoman,” she said.

On relationships, the media executive said she would prefer a partner who is her age or older, noting that her partner “must have achieved something” to earn her respect. She added that heartbreak is no longer something she worries about at her age.

Her comments came amid a recent debate over workplace etiquette and how younger employees should address senior executives.

The debate followed the circulation of a video showing an interaction between former UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu and a graduate trainee at the graduation ceremony of UBA’s Graduate Management Accelerated Programme.

In the video, the trainee was heard saying, “Good morning, Tony”, while addressing the businessman. Elumelu, however, expressed dissatisfaction and corrected her, asking her to address him as “Mr Elumelu” or “TOE”.