Fatai Okoya, who identifies himself as the first child of billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya, has disclosed the reasons behind his decades-long estrangement from his father. In a live interview with Yeye Kudi Court Room, he cited his marriage choice and a disagreement over money as the primary causes of the rift. He also alleged that his father’s second wife, Shade Okoya, blocked a potential reunion at Razaq Okoya’s 86th birthday celebration.
Marriage Choice and Money Disagreement
Fatai explained that his decision to marry a woman his father disapproved of angered the Eleganza Group founder. He described himself as having been young and in love at the time, and said the marriage ended what was once a close father-son relationship. He recalled that they were once so affectionate that he would wear his father’s clothes, illustrating the closeness that existed before the disagreement.
He also addressed a dispute over money he took from his father’s company. Fatai acknowledged taking money when he was younger and reckless but maintained that the amount was not substantial, saying it was not enough to buy a car. He highlighted his grandmother’s intervention, noting that there was little she could do to avoid offending the billionaire industrialist. He did not disclose the exact amount or provide further details about the circumstances.
Alleged Block at 86th Birthday Celebration
Fatai claimed that an attempt to reconnect with his father at Razaq Okoya’s 86th birthday celebration was thwarted by Shade Okoya. He said he attended the celebration and was welcomed, but when he approached his father, Shade Okoya intervened and told him he could not see her husband. Fatai claimed his father saw him but did not speak to him before he was sent away. He said he had wanted to spend time with his father rather than seek money or an inheritance.
As of the time of this report, neither Shade Okoya nor Razaq Okoya had publicly responded to the allegations. The account of the encounter has not been independently verified.
Impact on the Next Generation
The prolonged estrangement has also affected the next generation of the family. Fatai expressed sadness that his children had not had a relationship with their grandfather. His daughter, identified as Zee during the live session, reportedly said she had no relationship with her grandfather and that attempts to reach him had been blocked. She said she wanted to help her father make peace with his own father, whom she believed he missed after so many years apart.
Razaq Okoya’s brother, who was reportedly present during the live session, also weighed in on the dispute. He criticised the alleged intervention that prevented Fatai from seeing his father and said the situation should have been handled differently. The interview host appealed to people who know the industrialist, including businessman and philanthropist Oloye Adebutu, popularly known as Baba Ijebu, to help facilitate a reconciliation.
Fatai renewed his apology and asked for an opportunity to see his father. He said the years apart had weighed on him and that he wanted to make peace while they still had time.
