Raheem Okoya, son of billionaire industrialist Rasaq Okoya, has emphasized that he is financially independent, earning his own income and attracting investors to support his music career. In an interview with BBC News Yoruba, Raheem addressed public perceptions about his wealth, clarifying that his lifestyle and creative ventures are driven by his own efforts, not just 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 projects. Raheem credits his drive for self-reliance to lessons from his father, who built his business empire from humble beginnings. “My dad wasn’t born rich. He worked for everything he has, and he wants us to understand that we must also build, not just spend,” he explained. He added that his current corporate role is the result of a decade of preparation and mentorship under his father. “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. Being a young executive comes with intense scrutiny. “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 also discussed his passion for music, nurtured in a household where Fuji legend King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal often visited. However, he expressed frustration at how the media portrays him. “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 the challenges, Raheem remains focused on honoring his father’s legacy through his own achievements. “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.
