Fatai is third child, received four flats from Razaq Okoya – Family

The family of billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya has disputed Fatai Okoya’s claim that he is the businessman’s first child, saying he is actually his third child.

The family also said Fatai has continued to receive support from his father, including four flats in Ogunlana, Surulere, Lagos, and assistance with medical bills.

The clarification was contained in a statement signed by Nathaniel Omeninwan, senior public relations manager of Eleganza Industries Ltd, following Fatai’s recent public appeal for reconciliation with his father after more than 40 years of estrangement.

Fatai had described himself as Okoya’s first child and appealed to his father for forgiveness and an opportunity to rebuild their relationship.

He also alleged that Shade Okoya, his father’s wife, prevented him from seeing the industrialist during his 86th birthday celebration.

However, the family rejected the claims, saying Fatai’s estrangement from his father began before Okoya married Shade.

“The Okoya family finds it regrettable that Fatai Okoya (who is in fact the third child of Aare Rasaq Okoya, CON) has dragged what are otherwise private family matters into the public domain to attract public sympathy, gain attention and unjustifiably discredit other family members,” the statement said.

The family said Fatai had benefited from his father despite their differences.

“Aare Rasaq Okoya, CON, has also publicly stated on numerous occasions that any child of his who is not prepared to respect, appreciate and abide by his wishes is on their own. Fatai Okoya has benefited immensely from his father and continues to benefit. He lives in, and has been given, four flats by his father in Ogunlana Surulere, and has at times been receiving payment for his medical bills.”

The family also said four influential family friends intervened in the dispute more than 40 years ago and held an all night meeting, after which they advised Okoya to settle what Fatai was asking for.

It further denied Fatai’s account of the encounter with Shade during the medical outreach organised for Okoya’s 86th birthday.

According to the family, Shade was introduced to Fatai at the event and only exchanged pleasantries with him. A family member later advised Fatai that the event was not the appropriate place to discuss his grievances with his father.

The family said Fatai accepted the advice and left the venue, adding that several guests witnessed the incident.

The dispute became public after Fatai appealed to Okoya for forgiveness in an open letter and later discussed the estrangement during a TikTok Live session.

Fatai said his decision to marry a woman his father did not approve of, as well as a disagreement over money, contributed to the breakdown in their relationship. He also said he wanted to reconnect with his father and that his children had never had a relationship with their grandfather.

The Okoya family has now urged Fatai and other family members with grievances to address them privately.

“Aare and Chief Mrs Okoya, and indeed the entire Rasaq Okoya family, are very quiet, private and easygoing citizens focused on their family, their charitable work and their businesses.

“Chief Mrs Okoya respects her husband and his wishes. They do not intend to turn private affairs into disputes to air or discuss on social media. No misunderstanding can be settled online”, said the family.

The family also appealed to the media and members of the public to respect their privacy and allow family matters to be handled through the appropriate channels.

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