Raheem Okoya, son of billionaire industrialist Rasaq Okoya, has emphasized that he is financially self-sufficient, earning his own income and securing investors to support his music career.
Speaking to BBC News Yoruba, Raheem, who is both an aspiring musician and a corporate executive, addressed misconceptions about his wealth. He clarified that his lifestyle and creative projects are funded through his personal efforts rather than relying solely on his father’s fortune.
“I earn my own money. I have a salary. People are investing in my music because they believe in what I’m doing,” he said, noting that he has secured independent backers for his musical pursuits.
Raheem attributed his sense of independence to the values his father instilled. “My dad wasn’t born wealthy. He worked hard for everything he achieved and wants us to understand the importance of building our own paths, not just spending,” he explained.
He added that his decade-long preparation for his current corporate role was driven by mentorship rather than instant privilege. “I’ve been learning and preparing for this position for about 10 years. I’ve followed my dad closely and studied the business,” Raheem said.
Despite his achievements, holding a high-level position at a young age comes with scrutiny and pressure. “It’s definitely challenging. It’s a heavy responsibility. People already look at you. You’re young. They already want to doubt you. You always have to prove that you know what you’re talking about,” he admitted.
Raheem’s passion for music was nurtured in a household where Fuji legend King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal frequently visited, yet even this pursuit has attracted misleading media narratives. He expressed frustration at being misrepresented in the press.
“I don’t like fake news. I hate fake news. It cuts in my head. The media likes to put me up as a villain. They know what gets people riled up and moving. It’s not always the truth,” he said. “They will take a little thing or completely change the narrative and perspective on me. It’s not nice. It’s painful.”
Despite these challenges, Raheem remains focused on honoring his father’s legacy through his own accomplishments. “I love my dad so much. He’s my number one hero, my mentor. I just hope I can really, really make him proud one day,” he concluded.
