I’m not living off my father’s wealth – Okoya’s son, Raheem

Raheem Okoya, son of billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya, has refuted claims that his lifestyle and professional pursuits are financed solely by his father’s wealth.

In an interview with BBC News Yoruba, the 22-year-old Executive Director of Eleganza Industries said he earns a personal salary and has attracted independent investors to support his music career.

“I’m not just spending the chairman’s money; I work. I earn a salary. I have investors. People believe in my music and put money behind it,” he said.

Okoya disclosed that he spent a decade understudying his father in preparation for his leadership role at Eleganza Industries. He noted that his father was intentional about teaching his children the principles of enterprise and financial discipline.

According to him, the businessman, who built the Eleganza conglomerate from the ground up, ensured that his children learned how to create wealth rather than depend on inherited fortune.

“I’ve been learning this position my whole life. From when I was in school, I’ve been shadowing my dad. It’s not an overnight thing. It’s been 10 years in the making.

“My dad wasn’t born rich. He tries to instill those values in his kids. He wants his kids to also be able to work and build a fortune rather than just spend and destroy,” he said.

Okoya also admitted that despite his corporate knowledge, his age remains a significant hurdle.

“It’s definitely challenging. It’s a heavy responsibility. People already look at you. You’re young. They already want to doubt you. You always have to prove that you know what you’re talking about,” he said.

Beyond the boardroom, the Isale-Eko-born discussed his musical influences, citing Fuji legend King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal as a constant presence during his upbringing.

“K1 is a legend. He used to ring in the corridors of my house,” he said.

He noted that his primary motivation remains a desire to make his father proud.

“I love my dad so much. He’s my number one hero, my mentor. I just hope I can really, really make him proud one day,” he said.

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The interview also saw Okoya address media portrayals of his life, criticising what he described as a pattern of “fake news” and “misrepresentation” intended to cast him as a villain.

“I don’t like fake news. I hate fake news. The media likes to put me up as a villain. They know what gets people riled up and moving. It’s not always the truth,” he said.

He added, “They will take a little thing or completely change the narrative and perspective on me. It’s not nice. It’s painful.”