Tony Elumelu has cancelled his much-anticipated 2025 TOE All-White Christmas Party following a deadly fire incident in Lagos. The billionaire philanthropist said the festive season would instead be used to honour victims and support their families.
In a statement released on Monday, Elumelu and his wife, Awele, said they were deeply affected by the tragedy that claimed multiple lives. “Your excitement and tradition mean the world to us.
However, due to the recent tragic fire incident that claimed precious lives, Awele and I have made the decision to cancel the party this year,” they said.
A Pause in a Major Detty December Tradition
The All-White Christmas Party, scheduled for December 23, 2025, has grown into one of Lagos’ top social events during Detty December.
The gathering attracts Nigeria’s top entertainers, business leaders, and political figures, turning the Elumelu residence into a hub of celebration and networking.
Despite the cancellation, the couple reassured guests that the event would resume next year. “We look forward to opening our home to you again with love, laughter, and togetherness on December 23, 2026, by God’s grace,” they added.
A Party Known for Star Power and Elite Networking
The annual party is famous for high-profile performances from major artists. Previous editions have featured Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa S*vage, Wande Coal, and Flavour, drawing attendees from across Nigeria’s entertainment and business communities.
Celebrities such as Richard Mofe-Damijo, Genevieve Nnaji, Osas Ighodaro, Mercy Eke, Toke Makinwa, Banky W, Adesua Etomi, and Sharon Ooja have also attended. Political leaders including Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun’s Dapo Abiodun, Delta’s Sheriff Oborevwori, and Kwara’s AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq have been spotted at the event, alongside industrialists like Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Wale Tinubu, Valentine Ozigbo, Gabriel Ogbechie, and Stanley Uzochukwu.
Public Praises Decision to Honour Victims
The couple’s decision has been widely praised online, with many noting the sensitivity of cancelling such a high-profile celebration. “They remain forever in our hearts,” the Elumelus said as they thanked friends and supporters for their understanding.
Fire Incident That Informed the Decision
The cancellation follows the September 16, 2025 fire at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island. The six-story building caught fire after an inverter-room spark spread through stairwells and air-conditioning ducts, killing 10 people, including FIRS and United Capital employees.
Most of the victims died from smoke inhalation, exposing gaps in Nigeria’s high-rise fire safety standards. The Lagos State Government has since launched an inquest to examine compliance failures, emergency response quality, and overall safety conditions.
Afriland Properties Plc has promised to strengthen its building safety protocols and support the families of the victims. The tragedy has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of fire-safety regulations across Lagos’ commercial centres.
