By Prosper Mene
Shade Okoya, the wife of renowned Nigerian billionaire industrialist Chief Razak Okoya, has shared heartfelt insights into her 26-year marriage, emphasizing that she has no regrets about tying the knot at the young age of 21. In a recent interview with BBC Yoruba, the 48-year-old businesswoman and socialite opened up about her journey with the 85-year-old founder of the Eleganza Group, addressing public perceptions about their significant age gap and affirming the fulfillment she has found in their union.
Shade, who married Razak in 1999 when he was 59, spoke candidly about her decision to marry a much older man, a choice that sparked mixed reactions at the time. “I’m happy in my marriage to him. He is far older than me, but I don’t think I ever missed out on anything because I didn’t marry a younger man,” she said, as reported by Punch Newspapers. She described the proposal process as swift and straightforward, noting that Razak met her parents promptly after expressing his intentions.
The businesswoman, who serves as the Managing Director of Eleganza Industrial City Ltd., revealed that her late father was not alive at the time of the proposal, but her mother and grandmother fully supported her decision. “They saw the sincerity in his intentions,” Shade explained, citing the family’s approval as a key factor in her choice. She also shared that Razak made it clear from the outset that she would not be confined to the role of a housewife, encouraging her to pursue a career within the Eleganza Group, a conglomerate known for manufacturing household products.
The couple is blessed with four kids, Olamide, Subomi, Oyinlola, and Wahab. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in 2024, an occasion marked by a lavish event at their Oluwanishola mansion in Lagos. The milestone was a testament to their enduring partnership, which Shade attributes to patience, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to both love and business. “A strong determination to succeed in my marriage has always been a priority for me,” she previously told THISDAY Style, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and humility in navigating their unique relationship.
Addressing critics who once labeled her a “gold digger” due to the age and wealth disparity, Shade remains unfazed. Posts on social media aligns with her confidence, with users like @NewsCentralTV noting her assertion that she “has not missed out on anything in life” and @TheNationNews quoting her saying, “I lost nothing marrying an older man.” These sentiments resonate with her public image as a devoted wife, mother, and accomplished businesswoman who has fostered positive relationships with Razak’s children from his other marriages.
Shade’s story is one of resilience and partnership, showing her significant contributions to the Eleganza Group and her philanthropic efforts. Her recent comments reaffirm her belief that age is no barrier to a fulfilling life,As she told BBC Yoruba, “I found fulfillment marrying my husband at 21,” a statement that captures her commitment to her marriage and legacy.
