“I Won’t Take It” — Mo Abudu Warns Younger People Against Calling Her By First Name

Media entrepreneur and EbonyLife CEO, Mo Abudu, has opened up about her views on respect, relationships and the expectations she has for people around her.

Abudu spoke during an interview with Toke Makinwa on Toke Moments, where she described herself as “very traditional” and explained that her upbringing influenced how she expects younger people to address their elders.

When Makinwa asked whether she was particular about being addressed as “Aunty”, the 61-year-old media executive did not hesitate.

“I am very traditional. I was brought up in Ondo by my grandmother. You can’t be calling me by my first name anyhow. I won’t take it!” she said.

Abudu also pushed back against descriptions of her as a “shark” in business, suggesting that the same qualities would likely attract more flattering labels if she were a man.

“If I was a man, they wouldn’t say I was a shark. They’re going to say she’s an astute businesswoman,” she said.

The media executive further criticised people who, in her view, portray themselves as victims despite failing to meet expectations or deliver on their responsibilities.

On her personal life, Abudu said she was no longer concerned about heartbreak, declaring, “Nobody can break my heart.”

She explained that at her age, she would prefer to date someone her age or older and said she expected a potential partner to have achieved something in life.

“For me to respect you, you must have achieved something,” she said.