Raheem Okoya: Billionaire's Son Discusses His Wealth, Music Career, and Public Perception

Raheem Okoya, the son of billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya, has confronted allegations that his lavish lifestyle is sustained solely by his father's wealth.

During an interview with BBC News Yoruba, the 22-year-old Executive Director of Eleganza Industries stated that he is financially independent and has received support from investors for 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 expressed.

Raheem shared that he dedicated a decade to learning from his father to prepare for his current role in the family business.

"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," he indicated.

He noted that his father, who founded the Eleganza brand from the ground up, instilled essential values of hard work and financial prudence in his children.

"My dad wasn’t born rich. He tries to impart those values to his kids. He wants us to be able to work and build a fortune rather than just spend and waste," he added.

Despite his extensive preparation, Raheem acknowledged that his youth presents its own set of challenges.

"It’s definitely challenging. It’s a heavy responsibility. People already look at you differently because you’re young. They want to doubt you. You always have to prove your expertise," he said.

In addition to his business pursuits, he shared his passion for music, mentioning that Fuji music icon King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal significantly influenced him.

"K1 is a legend. He used to resonate through the halls of my home," he recalled.

Raheem expressed that his principal motivation is to make his father proud.

"I love my dad so much. He’s my number one hero, my mentor. I hope to make him truly proud one day," he remarked.

He also spoke out about media portrayals of his lifestyle, accusing several outlets of disseminating "fake news" about him.

"I don’t like fake news. I hate fake news. The media often portrays me as a villain. They know what gets people talking. It’s not always the truth," he stated.

"They take small incidents or completely alter the narrative about me. It’s unjust and hurtful," he added.