Claimed first son of Nigeria’s Okoya seeks reconciliation after decades of estrangement

A man claiming to be the first son of Razaq Okoya has opened up about his strained relationship with the Nigerian billionaire businessman, saying he has made several attempts to reconcile with him after 40 years of estrangement.   The man, who identified himself as Fatai Okoya, spoke during a question-and-answer live session with blogger Yeye Kudi Court Room. He said he had tried to reach Okoya through friends and other intermediaries but had struggled to gain access to him despite their “decades-long estrangement”. Fatai also apologised to Okoya, saying their disagreement stemmed from a small amount of money he took when he was younger and less responsible.   “I have tried very much to get in touch with my father. Most of the time, I was not allowed to get close to him,” he said. He further alleged that he was prevented from approaching his father during the billionaire’s 86th birthday celebration. According to Fatai, Shade, Okoya’s wife, turned him away at the event, while he did not respond.   “I was turned back by Alhaja Shade Okoya. My father did not have anything to say,” he said. Also, in an open letter, Fatai expressed remorse for going against Okoya and appealed for reconciliation. He revealed that he has repeatedly sought peace over the years, saying the pain of their separation and the years lost together weighs heavily on him. “More than four decades have passed, and today, I write with a humble heart, putting aside all pride to say: Dad, I am truly sorry. Please, find it in your heart to forgive me,” he wrote.   “Over the years, I have tried to reach out and make peace because the pain of our separation and the precious years we have lost weigh heavily on my heart. “No matter what has happened, you remain my father, and I will forever be your first child.” Okoya is the founder of the Eleganza Group, a manufacturing conglomerate known for producing household and consumer goods. The industrialist has a large family, although the precise number of his children has not been publicly confirmed by him.   In February 2026, Raheem, one of his sons popularly known as Siraheem, said in an interview that his father had 26 children with nine women. The singer described himself as the 23rd child and said the eldest was about 60 years old.  

Okoya, the son, disclosed the incidents he believes contributed to their decades-long estrangement and renewed his public appeal for reconciliation. The post Why my billionaire father has rejected me for decades — Fatai Okoya appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.

Fatai Okoya, who claims to be Razaq Okoya’s first child, seeks forgiveness after 40 years apart, as a video reportedly links their rift to his first marriage.

Mr Fatai, who identifies himself as Razaq Okoya’s first child, sought reconciliation without disclosing the cause of their estrangement. The post ‘Please forgive me’: Fatai Okoya begs billionaire father after 40 years apart appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.