The family of billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya has rejected claims by Fatai Okoya that he is the businessman’s first child, stating that he is actually the third child of the industrialist.
The clarification was contained in a statement signed by Nathaniel Omeninwan, Senior Public Relations Manager of Eleganza Industries Ltd, following Fatai’s recent public appeal for forgiveness and reconciliation with his father.
Fatai had reportedly appealed for an opportunity to rebuild his relationship with Okoya after about four decades of estrangement, describing his father’s rejection as painful. He also claimed to be the industrialist’s first child and alleged that Shade Okoya, his father’s wife, prevented him from seeing his father during his birthday celebration.
However, the family dismissed the allegations, saying Fatai’s account failed to reflect the support he had received from his father over the years.
According to the statement, Fatai has benefited significantly from Okoya’s assistance, including being provided with four flats in Ogunlana, Surulere, Lagos, as well as receiving financial support for medical expenses.
They said: “The Okoya family finds it regrettable that Fatai Okoya (who is in fact the third child of Aare Rasaq Okoya, CON) has dragged what are otherwise private family matters into the public domain to attract public sympathy, gain attention and unjustifiably discredit other family members. Fatai Okoya fell out with his father and stopped visiting him long before his father married Chief Mrs Shade Okoya, MON.
“Aare Rasaq Okoya, CON, has also publicly stated on numerous occasions that any child of his who is not prepared to respect, appreciate and abide by his wishes is on their own. Fatai Okoya has benefited immensely from his father and continues to benefit. He lives in, and has been given, four flats by his father in Ogunlana Surulere, and has at times been receiving payment for his medical bills.”
The family maintained that Okoya had consistently supported his children and other family members, including those who ventured into independent businesses.
It said it was unfair for such contributions to be ignored while the industrialist was portrayed negatively.
The statement further disclosed that four prominent friends of the family intervened in the disagreement more than 40 years ago, holding an overnight meeting in an attempt to resolve the dispute.
On the alleged incident involving Shade Okoya, the family said she did not prevent Fatai from meeting his father during the birthday event.
According to the family, the dispute had already attracted the attention of influential family friends, who recommended that Fatai be settled according to his demands, a step they said was subsequently taken.
They said: “Surprised by what Fatai was asking for, they still concluded that his father should settle him with what he was asking for, and this was carried out accordingly. During the medical outreach organised for the Aare’s 86th birthday, Chief Mrs Okoya was introduced to Fatai Okoya.
“A family member then spoke to Fatai Okoya and advised him that the occasion was not an appropriate time or place to discuss the issues he has with his father. On that advice, which Fatai Okoya agreed with, he left the medical outreach venue. Other than exchanging pleasantries with him, Chief Mrs Shade Okoya, MON, said nothing to him that day, and several guests witnessed the entire incident.”
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The Okoya family also expressed concern over the growing public attention surrounding what it described as private family issues.
It appealed to journalists and members of the public to respect the family’s privacy, stressing that grievances involving family members should be handled through appropriate private channels.
“Aare and Chief Mrs Okoya, and indeed the entire Rasaq Okoya family, are very quiet, private and easygoing citizens focused on their family, their charitable work and their businesses.
“Chief Mrs Okoya respects her husband and his wishes. They do not intend to turn private affairs into disputes to air or discuss on social media. No misunderstanding can be settled online”, said the family.