Raheem Okoya, the 22-year-old son of billionaire industrialist Chief Rasaq Okoya. In a viral interview with BBC News Yoruba, the young heir tried to bridge the gap between his luxury lifestyle and the “hustle” mentality, but his comments have sparked a fierce debate about nepotism that is trending across all platforms. Raheem, who serves as the Executive Director of Eleganza Industrial City, boldly claimed that he doesn’t just live off his father’s wealth—he actually earns a salary and has been “shadowing” his dad for a decade to earn his seat at the table.+2
“I’m not just spending the Chairman’s money; I work. I earn a salary,” Raheem declared, adding with a touch of honesty that he “really likes money.” While he credits his father for instilling the value of hard work and claims his appointment was “10 years in the making,” critics on social media aren’t buying the “self-made” narrative. Many are questioning how a 22-year-old—who is also juggling a music career—can realistically hold such a high-level corporate position without the massive leverage of his last name. The backlash has revived the age-old Nigerian conversation: is it “nepotism” if you’re actually being trained for the role, or is the playing field just fundamentally unfair for those without a billionaire’s backing?+1
Raheem isn’t new to controversy, having previously faced heat (and an EFCC invitation) over a viral “naira abuse” video, but this time the conversation is more about merit. He admitted that his age is a “heavy responsibility” and that people are always looking for a reason to doubt him. Whether you see him as a hard-working heir preparing for his legacy or the ultimate “nepo baby,” one thing is for sure—Raheem Okoya knows how to keep the cameras rolling and the keyboards clicking.
