Frills & Thrills of Banking Tycoon Elumelu’s Lavish All-White Soiree

BY FUNSHO AROGUNDADE

Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu hates to be idle. To those who have had opportunities of hanging around this leading champion of entrepreneurship in Africa, he’s said to easily transfer a megawatt of energy and assurance of hope. He sees opportunities where others feel nothing. This explains the increasing size of his business portfolio even while he still holds on as Chairman of United Bank For Africa; Transcorp Plc as well as that of Heirs Holdings.

Elumelu exemplifies purpose-driven leadership, empowering young entrepreneurs and positioning his brand as a beacon of hope and opportunity. His impact resonates across Africa and beyond. Imagine being the catalyst for millions of dreams. That’s Elumelu’s reality.

Of course, the banking magnate knows how to make money and enjoy life to the fullest. The tycoon is a baller who understands pleasure management and how best to build social capital on all fronts.

At almost 62 —his next birthday is on March 22— the billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist surely is not your regular wealthy dude. When it comes to throwing era-defining soirées, only a few rival Elumelu. He has a bandwidth for classic parties. One of such lavish parties is his annual TOE All-White Party.

For seven years —on the bounce— Elumelu has been throwing this extravagant themed party. With an unmatched gathering of top elites and high net worth Individuals, the annual extravaganza has turned pop culture’s hottest ticket.

This year’s gig —held on Monday, December 23— was no exception, with a star-studded guest list that nearly rivaled that of a scene not too dissimilar to the parties portrayed in Martin Scorsese’s Wolf of Wall Street.

Hosted by Elumelu and Awele, his charming sweetheart, in their architectural masterpiece mansion in Ikoyi, Lagos, the soiree was a display of opulence and star power.

Elumelu ensured his celebrity guests didn’t drift aimlessly apart due to weakening economy, political differences, and ego clashes.

To him, his fellow alpha celebrities needed to breathe too! And that’s what happened inside his mansion as hundreds of guests —including Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun— settled easily into partying, rubbing elbows and experienced a night of indescribable fun.

The guests were treated to the finest and most expensive liquors and delicacies money could buy.

Champagne arrived in flûtes on trays, and the guests emptied them with gladness in their hearts, even as they rocked the dance floor with three of the Afrobeats luminaries —Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy.