Not many people know that the late FCMB Founder, Otunba Subomi Balogun and the Eleganza boss., Alhaji Chief Rasaq Okoya are great friends. It took birthday of Chief Okoya for Otunba Balogun to reveal the depth of their closeness.
Otunba Balogun revealed a lot in his Tribute to the Aare of Lagos.
“I feel particularly enthused to respond to the request for me to say a few words about my dear Aburo, Aare Abdulrasaq Akanni Omo Okoya on the occasion of his attaining the iconic age of 80. Rasaq has been very dose to me and my family for over 50 years, and I recall that I affectionately refer to him as my dear Aburo, because of certain attributes of his which are very compelling for any person who is close to him to appreciate. I used to hear of him as one of the up and coming budding merchants selling all sorts of things in the commercial part of Lagos before he established a Costume jewellery company which he called “Eleganza”, but I was not close to him, until around 1968, when he and another friend, Sam Adedoyin, attended a small party of mine to celebrate the completion of my first home, No.4 Bombay Crescent, Apapa. It was a house warming event to celebrate the first house I built. Apparently, he too must have been hearing favourable comments about me because he addressed me as “Egbon· on. this first occasion”.
“His humility in spite of his acclaimed success in business struck me forcefully. Knowing that I was older than he was, he called me, Egbon and the three of us found that we had a penchant for building houses and apartments in Lagos to rent out and we enjoyed that camaraderie of always exchanging our different experiences. Our group was enlarged by the late Chief Adebowale, the famous Electrical Merchant and we always had rendezvous when visiting London or Rome. One very exciting preoccupation of the four of us was discussing our different experiences with our property developments. We were always seen together, either at events in our different homes or exchanging ideas about other prospects in property development. Apart from the humility that he exudes when you meet him, “Egbon, Egbon”, as he calls me, I was always fascinated by his constant reference to the awesomeness of the Almighty God, our Creator. Expressions like “pelu ase Olorun” and “Oluwanisola”, which he named his abode in Ajah, struck me forcefully. I appreciated that whatever success he achieved in life, he was always attributing it to the Almighty God, and this was the hallmark of his life”.
“He was always very effusive in praising the Almighty God and asserting that his successes in life have been achieved through his closeness to the Omnipotent and Omnipresent Almighty God. Such a regular declaration is a Divine bug of his social life which I have always admired. In all his interactions with me and other people who are close to me, what amazes us is his humility, sincerity and respect for any person whom he knows to be senior to him in age! He overwhelms such people with his natural respect and adoration. The group of 4 of us – Chief Adebowale, humbled me, Adedoyin and Rasaq were always seen together and Rasaq had a penchant and a rare humility to be always acknowledging seniority. Sam Adedoyin was his closest associate and friend and whenever we were in London, he and Sam Adedoyin would always organise a camaraderie amongst the 4 of us, which many of our other associates appreciate and emulated in those days”.
“Rasaq was extraordinarily generous and humble. I am aware that he extends his generosity to his less privileged friends in such a humble way and there is genuineness in his effusive humility. During the Moslem and Christian festivals, both of us were always excited to exchange presents. At any event of mine, Rasaq was always present as an affectionate Aburo and very effusive in his expression of goodwill. I cannot imagine any person complaining about Rasaq even though we all appreciate that only the good Lord is perfect. I can continue to relate his attributes, they are unending; but the hallmark of his life that I am aware of, is his extreme loyalty, humility, the fear of God and his closeness to the Almighty God, his Creator.
He built a Mosque within his estate which he named after his mother. My wife, and I, are always delighted to have Rasaq and his wife with us at any event of ours, hence we are very delighted to be associated with his celebration at attaining the age of the elderly citizens and we honestly believe that his good nature will be his good armour in life. We pray that the good Lord will continue to bless him, not just materially, but in anything which Rasaq asks from his God in his quiet moments. Aare, both of us rejoice with you and we will definitely be with you, by the Grace of God, for the celebration. We pray for continuous blessings for you and the grace which the Almighty gives, to be always yours. Amen.
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