Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has revealed that a senior UBA official contacted him directly after he publicly criticised billionaire Tony Elumelu's treatment of a graduate trainee. The controversy erupted after the young woman, a participant in UBA's Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP), addressed Elumelu by his first name, sparking widespread online debate.
Sowore's Revelation: UBA Management Reached Out
Sowore disclosed the outreach on his X (formerly Twitter) account, stating that the management official reached out regarding his stance on the matter. Rather than backing down, Sowore doubled down on his position, insisting that what many were describing as a cultural misunderstanding was in fact something far more uncomfortable.
"I made it clear that, in my view, this was not a 'culture clash'; it was a class war, a reflection of the deeply entrenched hierarchy and class consciousness that too often determines who is considered entitled to demand deference and who is expected to provide it," he wrote.
Class War vs. Culture Clash: Sowore's Gateman Analogy
To illustrate his point, Sowore posed a scenario: if Elumelu's own children were to address the family gateman or driver by their first name, nobody would raise an eyebrow. Yet the same people outraged by a trainee calling Elumelu "Tony" would likely expect those same employees to address Elumelu's children with pronounced respect.
"That tells you immediately that this argument is not really about 'African culture' or respect. It is about class, status, wealth and power, about who society permits to speak casually to whom," he argued.
Sowore Demands Psychosocial Support for Trainee
Beyond the class debate, Sowore directed attention to the welfare of the trainee herself, calling on UBA to act swiftly. "I specifically requested that, given the enormous public opprobrium, ridicule, and attacks this young woman has been subjected to, UBA must immediately provide her with appropriate psychosocial support," he stated, adding, "She should not be sacrificed on the altar of corporate hierarchy or social-media outrage. Her dignity, welfare and mental well-being must come first. Let the poor breathe!"
Online Reactions Divided Over Sowore's Stance
The comments drew a range of reactions online. @HRH_bankeoniru wrote: "It's upbringing. My boys address my driver as Mr Oluaiye. They address my house assistant as Aunty Kome. They addressed our security guard as uncle John. These people live with us, we provide them free accommodation to ease their lives. As Africans, respect is paramount."
@KingMattz1 said: "Attention: @sowore sir, your views on this issue is out of context." @Tomiwasoughtafter commented: "Mr Sowore, this ur analogy is not right. When the privileged people wants to address the poor elderly ones, they usually use the word 'Baba isiaka' or baba gateman. The baba is a respected word use to address people even when u are in a privileged position. Dont promote rubbish."
@Opticfirst wrote: "Education is not madness. Civilization, exposure and confidence building is not disrespect for our values. Nothing wrong with what happened. We must be proud of, preserve and promote our cultural heritage and values regardless." @Anyannchi reacted: "I don't think this should be your matter of concern @sowore as you seem don't understand this incidence." @Shoyebi added: "Mr. Tony's child speaking to their gateman or driver, and a graduate trainee at Mr. Tony's organisation speaking to him, do not entirely align like a perfect scenario, Mr. Omoyele. Let's not encourage what is not right."
The controversy continues to generate heated debate online, with no official response yet from UBA or Tony Elumelu regarding Sowore's demands for psychosocial support for the trainee.
