CHIEF Sade Okoya, the beautiful wife of Lagos billionaire businessman Aare Rasak Okoya, turned 41during the week.
But the occasion was devoid of the usual razzmatazz of the Okoya’s celebration unlike her 40th birthday.
The University of Lagos graduate of Banking and Finance celebrated her 41st birthday in a low-key but adorable way between herself and family.
She also shared lovely pictures to mark the special day.
In a clime where wealth and pride go hand in hand, quiet and unassuming lifestyle is a forgotten virtue among the rich and the famous. But one man who has risen above the din to command legendary status is Alhaji Rasak Akanni Okoya of the Eleganza fame.
The foremost industrialist has long cemented his legacy in the annals of history. Little wonder high society was out in full force to celebrate with him as he clocked 78. The grand birthday bash at the Oluwanisola Estate home of the Okoyas was a throwback to the classic occasions of yore with its all-white theme lending it a unique ambience in these days of loud and gaudy colours.
The queen of high society, Sade Okoya, was in her elements as she buzzed about in her capacity as the grand hostess. The palatial residence of the billionaire businessman became the temporary berth of prominent sons and daughters of Yorubaland who came to felicitate with one of their own.
On hand at the event were the first lady of Lagos State, Mrs Bolanle Ambode; Chief Samuel Adedoyin and his wife; Sir Olu Okeowo and his wife; Oba Dapo Tejuosho and Otunba Subomi Balogun, among others.
THE kingdom of fame is a pyramid with many tiers, and Sade Okoya is at the very top, holding sway as the queen of high society. She has meticulously dethroned her rivals and made herself indispensable on the social scene.
No high octane event is complete without the presence of the youngest wife of Aare Rasaq Akanni Okoya of the Eleganza fame. She leaves nothing to chance and never fails to stun at every occasion in her eye-popping outfits.
The managing director of Eleganza Industrial City is an expert in the subtle art of leaving mouths agape with her sense of style. Such was the case at the recent wedding of Senate President Bukola Saraki’s daughter. Sade Okoya’s daring choice of outfit was a hit back to back. The jewel in the crown of Aare Okoya is determined not to relent in wowing the social scene with her magic.
In a move befitting her status as one of the most stylish ladies around, she will feature on the cover of the next issue of Ovation magazine.
A new dawn came for Alhaja Bilikisu Monisola Ashabi Shittu, after her transition to a peaceful realm. Her final burial was held in Lagos last Sunday. The deceased was the mother of Sade Okoya, wife of Nigeria’s foremost billionaire and industrialist, Chief Rasaq Akanni Okoya, the Aare of Lagos and chairman of Eleganza Group of Companies.
Alhaja Shittu died on March 3, at the ripe age of 112. She was buried on Friday, March 4, in accordance with islamic injunction, at the Vaults and Gardens Mayfair, Lekki, Lagos. Mama Shittu is survived by two children, Alhaja Nimota Adeleye (Sade Okoya’s mother) and Deaconess Rhoda Adebanke Oduniyi.
The grand finale of the burial ceremony was held at Oluwa Ni Sola Estate, the Okoya family’s sprawling estate in Lagos. Guests were entertained by Musiliu Haruka Ishola.
Close watches of society must have noticed the absence of Sade Okoya, one its regular faces. A few years ago, the beautiful wife of Rasaq Akanni Okoya, the Aare of Lagos and founder of the Eleganza Group of Companies, was the star of the social space in Lagos. Together with her husband, a veteran socialite, her presence was guaranteed at important social events around the city.
But things appear to have changed for the society woman. She seems to be sparing less time for social events since she took charge as the Managing Director of her husband’s chain of businesses. And with her touch, the Eleganza Group is back in full throttle; better and bigger. The company resumed production early this year with several new products added to its stable.
Sade, a mother of four, has been busy reviving and re-branding the company to make sure that Eleganza expands its horizon in Nigeria and beyond. Chief Okoya had told the media during a press briefing early this year that the group was undergoing massive re-engineering and that his youthful wife would play a very prominent role in the new scheme.
AARE Rasaq Akanni Okoya hardly grants an interview without speaking glowingly about his younger wife, Sade Okoya. So, when news filtered out weeks ago that the billionaire businessman would be renewing his marital vow with Sade, not a few people looked forward to the day with bated breath. Last Saturday, the landlord of Oluwa Ni Sola Estate, Ajah, Lagos, invited the who is who in the Lagos social, economic and political circles to witness the grand event.
The day started with seraies of prayers, led by some prominent clerics in Abeke Memorial Mosque, built in the estate in memory of Chief Okoya’s mother. The couple later moved in to one of the expansive living rooms in Oluwa Ni Sola Estate, where guests had been seated to welcome the couple. National Leader of All Peoples Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, topped the list of very important guests who graced the event.
In his characteristic manner, Chief Okoya thanked Sade for accepting to come into his life at the time she did. She went down the memory lane on his journey with Sade. According to him, Sade had not only been loving and supportive, she had been the mainstay of his businesses with her innovative ideas. Sade in return thanked Okoya for being her friend, her father, her husband and her angel.
In an age when looking slim and beautiful has become the vogue, Sade Okoya, the youngest wife of billionaire businessman, Aare Razaq Okoya, is surely holding her own. When Celeb Watch ran into her during the family’s annual Sallah party recently, her new frame was a striking attraction.
She had grown very slim. Her features got so striking that it would not have escaped the lens of modelling scouts if they had been present at the occasion. She was the cynosure of all eyes as she moved from table to table to ensure that everyone was well attended to. And this she did with the courtesy that is hard to find among the wives of the rich.
Still the power dresser she had been from her days in the University of Lagos when she caught the attention of the Eleganza boss, Sade adorned her delectable body with a combination of gold dresses. That Sade was the star of the day was like stating the obvious. No wonder her gracefully ageing husband was all over her while the get-together lasted.