“I’m Not Living Off My Father’s Wealth.”- Raheem Okoya

Raheem Okoya, the son of billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya, has denied that his lifestyle and professional pursuits are solely supported by his father’s wealth.

In an interview with BBC News Yoruba, the 22-year-old Executive Director of Eleganza Industries revealed that 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 revealed that he spent a decade shadowing his father in preparation for his leadership position at Eleganza Industries. He mentioned that his father made a concerted effort to instill in his children the values of business and financial responsibility.

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According to him, the businessman who built the Eleganza conglomerate from the ground up taught his children how to create wealth rather than relying on inheritance.

“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 experience, his age is a significant barrier.

“It is definitely challenging. It’s a huge responsibility. People are already looking at you. You are young. They already want to doubt you. “You always have to demonstrate that you understand what you’re talking about,” he said.

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Beyond the boardroom, the Isale-Eko native discussed his musical influences, naming Fuji legend King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal as a constant presence in his childhood.

“K-1 is a legend. “He used to ring in the corridors of my house,” he explained.

He stated that his primary motivation remains to make his father proud.

“I really love my father. He’s my number one hero and mentor. “I just hope to make him proud one day,” he said.

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During the interview, Okoya also addressed media portrayals of his life, criticizing what he described as a pattern of “fake news” and “misrepresentation” aimed at casting him as a villain.

“I dislike fake news. I despise fake news. The media likes to portray me as a villain. They understand what gets people riled up and moving. “It’s not always the truth,” he explained.

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