This statement is issued on behalf of the family of Aare Rasaq Okoya regarding some online publications concerning the Patriarch of the family.
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 in order to attract public sympathy, gain attention and unjustifiably discredit other family members.
Fatai Okoya had fallen out with his father and stopped coming to see him long before his father’s marriage to Chief Mrs. Shade Okoya, MON. 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 his or her own.
Aare Rasaq Okoya, CON has indeed been blessed by Almighty Allah, and he has in turn been a great benefactor to all members of his family, including those who have chosen to start their own businesses. Fatai Okoya has benefited immensely from his father and continues to benefit to date. 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.
Over 40 years ago, four very highly placed family friends intervened in this matter in a meeting lasting a whole night. Surprised by what Fatai was asking for, they still came to the conclusion that his father should settle him with what he was asking for, and this was carried out accordingly.
During the medical outreach organised for the Aare’s 86th birthday, Chief Mrs. Okoya was introduced to Fatai Okoya.
A family member then spoke to Fatai Okoya and advised him that the occasion was not an appropriate time or place to discuss the issues he has with his father. It was on the advice which Fatai Okoya agreed with, that he left the venue of the medical outreach.
Other than exchanging pleasantries with him, Chief Mrs. Shade Okoya, MON said nothing to him that day, and several guests witnessed the entire incident.
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 have private affairs turned into disputes to be aired or discussed on social media, No misunderstanding can be settled online.
We therefore kindly request that members of the public and the media respect the family’s privacy. Any family member who wishes to raise a matter with the Aare should do so privately, through the proper family channels.
Dated this 22nd day of October 2026
Mr. Nathaniel Omeninwan, Senior Public Relations Manager
Eleganza Industry Ltd.
