There was confusion recently in Nigeria’s oldest bank as Femi Otedola The Chairman of First Bank Holding Company, requested the resignation of Folake Ani-Mumuney.
Key Takeaways:
- Femi Otedola’s dissatisfaction with lavish spending led to Folake Ani-Mumuney’s resignation.
- The send-off party expense for former MD Adesola Adeduntan sparked the chairman’s ire amidst the bank’s recapitalization efforts.
- First Bank is undergoing significant restructuring to enhance operational efficiency and shareholder value.
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Femi Otedola The Chairman of First Bank Holding Company Enforces Accountability at First Bank Amid Restructuring
The leadership dynamics at First Bank, Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, are undergoing a significant transformation as Femi Otedola, the chairman of the bank’s holding company, pushes for greater financial discipline.
Recent developments highlight Otedola’s dissatisfaction with extravagant spending, culminating in the resignation of Folake Ani-Mumuney, the bank’s Global Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications.
Insiders revealed that the resignation came after a lavish send-off party for the bank’s former Managing Director, Adesola Adeduntan, reportedly organized at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, on November
The event, attended by dignitaries and senior executives, drew criticism from Otedola, who deemed the expenditure “insensitive and wasteful.”

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The Chairman’s Firm Stance on Financial Prudence
Femi Otedola, renowned as a no-nonsense activist investor, is steering First Bank towards a path of recapitalization and restructuring.
According to insiders, Otedola’s mandate is clear—plugging financial leakages and ensuring operational efficiency.
His disapproval of the send-off event reflects his broader vision of aligning the bank’s operations with shareholder interests.
The party expense coincided with the bank’s efforts to strengthen its capital base, marked by a rights issue and escalating operational costs.
Recent reports indicate that FirstBank’s operating expenses surged to N421.3 billion in the first nine months of 2024, a significant rise from N212.1 billion during the same period in 2023.
Advertising and promotional costs also doubled, reaching N44.5 billion.
Folake Ani-Mumuney: A Legacy of Excellence and Resilience in Corporate Communications
In the fast-paced world of finance and corporate leadership, few names shine as brightly as Folake Ani-Mumuney.
After 15 extraordinary years as the Global Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at First Bank, she bids farewell, leaving an indelible mark defined by innovation, resilience, and leadership.
Who Is Folake Ani-Mumuney?

With a career spanning over 25 years, Folake Ani-Mumuney has carved a niche in industries as diverse as banking, aviation, oil and gas, and manufacturing.
Her exceptional ability to adapt and deliver results has consistently set her apart as a visionary leader.
Since joining First Bank in 2010, Ani-Mumuney revolutionized the institution’s corporate communications strategy.
Through innovative marketing techniques and strategic partnerships, she elevated First Bank’s global reputation.
Today, the bank’s strengthened image and enduring partnerships are a testament to her unparalleled impact.
Folake Ani-Mumuney: A Champion of Women’s Empowerment
Beyond her professional achievements, Folake Ani-Mumuney stands as a beacon of female leadership and gender equity.
Her involvement with organizations like Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR) and Gaia Africa underscores her unwavering commitment to empowering women.
She has proven that leadership is not just about titles but about inspiring others and driving meaningful change.
Awards and Recognition
A true trailblazer, Ani-Mumuney is a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK) and the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria.
Her contributions have earned her numerous lifetime achievement awards, highlighting her dedication to excellence and her ability to set new standards in every role she undertakes.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Folake Ani-Mumuney?
As Ani-Mumuney steps into the next chapter of her career, her legacy at First Bank remains a guiding light.
She leaves behind a culture of collaboration and a philosophy that true success is achieved through teamwork.
With her extensive experience and passion for driving transformation, the future holds boundless opportunities for her to continue making an impact.
The Fallout of Ani-Mumuney’s Resignation
Folake Ani-Mumuney, a highly regarded figure in Nigeria’s marketing industry, has been instrumental in shaping First Bank’s branding and communication strategies.
While some sources suggest her resignation had been planned for personal reasons, others point to Otedola’s demand for accountability as the decisive factor.
Her departure has caused ripples among First Bank’s senior management, signaling a shift under Otedola’s leadership. Analysts observe that his insistence on financial prudence and compliance sets a precedent for future decision-making.
First Bank’s Transformation Under Femi Otedola
The resignation and ongoing restructuring efforts underscore Otedola’s commitment to repositioning First Bank for sustained growth.
Despite challenges, the bank’s share price has shown resilience, gaining 11% year-to-date, and currently trades at N26 per share.
Otedola’s leadership style, characterized by strict financial discipline, aligns with First Bank’s goal to rebuild shareholder trust and solidify its position in the competitive Nigerian banking sector.
As Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, First Bank stands at the crossroads of transformation. Otedola’s decisive actions reflect a commitment to reshaping the bank’s culture, ensuring transparency, and fostering sustainable growth for the future.
Final Thoughts
This article effectively captures the ongoing changes at First Bank under Femi Otedola’s leadership, highlighting his focus on accountability and financial prudence.
Tying recent events, such as the resignation of Folake Ani-Mumuney and the criticism of lavish spending, to broader restructuring efforts, paints a clear picture of a pivotal moment in the bank’s history.
This narrative not only reflects Otedola’s intent to streamline operations but also signals a cultural shift within the institution, emphasizing efficiency and shareholder value.
The piece succeeds in blending factual details with analysis, making it both informative and engaging.
For readers interested in the dynamics of corporate governance and leadership in Nigeria’s financial sector, this article offers valuable insights into how bold decisions can reshape an organization.
It also reinforces the importance of aligning operational strategies with stakeholder expectations, a principle that resonates across industries.
Overall, the article strikes a balance between depth and accessibility, making it a compelling read while serving as a case study on leadership in transformative times.