Nigerian content creator Peller has weighed in on the viral controversy involving a lady who addressed billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu by his first name.

Peller questioned whether the public reaction would have been different if the woman involved had come from a less privileged background or had not received a formal education.

Peller questions the criticism

The content creator noted that the woman is reportedly a graduate and argued that age and social status should be considered when addressing older people.

According to Peller, respect should not necessarily depend on someone’s financial position or educational background.

He said:

“If it was someone like us who did what that lady did to Tony Elumelu, they would start saying, ‘That is why I say education is important’.”

Peller added that the woman’s educational background made the situation more interesting to him, questioning why she would casually say “good morning Tony” to someone considerably older and more established.

‘Age alone will cover you down’

Peller argued that age itself should command a certain level of respect, regardless of wealth.

“Person wey be say make we leave money aside, age alone will cover you down.”

He further suggested that people from less privileged backgrounds are often quickly labelled as uneducated when they display behaviour considered disrespectful.

Peller draws attention to double standards

The content creator’s comments have added another perspective to the ongoing “Good Morning Tony” debate, which has sparked discussions online about age, respect, familiarity and the way Nigerians address people who are older or more socially influential.

His reaction has also prompted conversations about whether social status, education and background influence how society judges similar behaviour.