‘Why I Cancelled My 2025 All-White Christmas Party’ — Tony Elumelu

• Nigerian billionaire Tony Elumelu has cancelled his famous All-White Christmas Party following a deadly fire in Lagos that claimed several lives, dedicating the season to mourning and supporting affected families.

Nigerian billionaire and philanthropist Tony Elumelu has cancelled the much-anticipated 2025 edition of his annual TOE All-White Christmas Party, originally scheduled for December 23, after a tragic fire in Lagos claimed multiple lives.

In a statement released on Monday, Elumelu and his wife, Dr. Awele Elumelu, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, noting that this year’s festive season would instead be devoted to mourning the victims and standing with their families.

“We’ve received so many messages from friends asking about our annual TOE All-White Party on December 23,” the couple wrote. “Your excitement and tradition mean the world to us. However, due to the recent tragic fire incident that claimed precious lives, we have made the decision to cancel the party this year. This season will be dedicated to remembering, honouring, and holding space for those we lost.”

They added that the event would return on December 23, 2026, “by God’s grace,” thanking the public for their understanding and wishing everyone a peaceful Christmas.

About the All-White Christmas Party

Elumelu’s All-White Party has grown into one of Nigeria’s most glamorous holiday events, drawing top entertainers, actors, politicians, and business executives.

Past editions have featured electrifying performances from global music stars including Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, and Flavour. The guest list has also included prominent movie and media personalities such as Richard Mofe-Damijo, Genevieve Nnaji, Osas Ighodaro, Mercy Eke, Toke Makinwa, Banky W, Adesua Etomi, and Sharon Ooja.

Governors like Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara) have also attended, alongside business heavyweights including Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Wale Tinubu, Valentine Ozigbo, Gabriel Ogbechie, and Stanley Uzochukwu.

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The Tragic Fire

On September 16, 2025, a fire engulfed Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island. The blaze reportedly began in the inverter room and spread rapidly through stairwells and air-conditioning ducts.

Ten people—including staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and United Capital Plc—lost their lives, with most fatalities linked to smoke inhalation. The incident has raised renewed concerns about fire safety standards in high-rise buildings across Nigeria.

The Lagos State Government has since launched an inquest to investigate the cause of the fire, compliance failures, and the effectiveness of emergency response efforts. Afriland Properties Plc has pledged support for affected families and a comprehensive review of its safety protocols.

A Season of Mourning

Elumelu’s decision to cancel this year’s All-White Party reflects a gesture of compassion in the wake of tragedy. Rather than its usual display of music, culture, and high-profile social gatherings, the 2025 season will serve as a moment of reflection and solidarity with those affected by the Afriland Towers fire.