Fatai Okoya, the first son of Nigerian billionaire businessman Chief Razaq Okoya, has publicly appealed to his father for reconciliation after decades of estrangement, claiming that he has made several attempts to reconnect with him.
Fatai, 66, made the appeal during a livestream, where he spoke about his strained relationship with his father and his alleged difficulties reaching him despite repeated efforts over the years.
He said he had attempted to contact the billionaire through some of his friends but had struggled to secure an opportunity to speak with him directly.
According to Fatai, their disagreement stemmed from an incident during his younger years, when he took a small amount of money while describing himself as reckless at the time.
He expressed regret over the situation and publicly apologised to his father, signalling his desire to resolve their longstanding differences.
“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.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Shines at 2025 ITTF African Youth Championships, Clinches Boys’ Double
Fatai also alleged that he was prevented from approaching his father during the billionaire’s 86th birthday celebration. He claimed that Shade Okoya, his father’s wife, turned him back when he attempted to get close to him.
“I was turned back by Alhaja Shade Okoya. My father did not have anything to say,” he alleged.
The claims have brought renewed attention to the reported family rift, which Fatai says has lasted for about 30 years.
Shade Okoya had yet to publicly respond to the allegations as of the time of this report. There was also no response from Chief Razaq Okoya to the claims contained in Fatai’s livestream.
Chief Razaq Okoya is a prominent Nigerian industrialist and founder of the Eleganza Group, known for his investments in manufacturing and other business interests.
Fatai’s public appeal raises the possibility of reconciliation within the family, although it remains unclear whether the billionaire has responded to his son’s latest remarks.