Billionaire businessman and Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu, has cancelled his popular annual all-white Christmas party scheduled for 23 December 2025. In a statement posted on his social media accounts, Elumelu said the decision was made in honour of the victims of a recent tragic fire incident believed to have occurred at Afriland Properties, a company linked to his family.
“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.”
Among the victims reportedly killed in the fire were Ndidi Osaemedike-Okeke and Rebecca Adenuga, along with four others.
The Tony Elumelu (TOE) All-White Party, held annually in Lagos since at least 2019, has become one of Nigeria’s most anticipated end-of-year celebrity events. Past editions have featured performances by Afrobeats superstars Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Flavour, Asake, Kizz Daniel, Ayra Starr, and Spyro, alongside appearances by business leaders, governors, and sports personalities such as Victor Osimhen.
Elumelu said the event will return on 23 December 2026, adding: “We look forward to opening our home to you again with love, laughter, and togetherness… by God’s grace.”
No further details about the fire incident have been officially released by the authorities at the time of this report.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
