Here is a detailed Alhaja Kuburat Okoya biography.
Alhaja Kuburat Olayinka Okoya, fondly regarded as the first lady of the Okoya dynasty, holds a place of dignity and grace in Nigeria’s elite social circle.
As the first wife of Chief Rasaq Akanni Okoya, the billionaire industrialist and founder of Eleganza Group, she has been a quiet but steady pillar behind the family’s legacy for over five decades.
Known for her elegance, strong values, and deep spirituality, Alhaja Kuburat represents a rare blend of cultural heritage and refined poise.
Despite living in the shadows of wealth and fame, she has gracefully maintained a relatively private life. However, her influence within the Okoya family and beyond has never gone unnoticed. Her role as a matriarch, a spiritual compass, and a binding force in a polygamous household has earned her immense respect.
From inspiring her husband’s business ideas to preserving the family’s unity, Alhaja Kuburat Okoya’s legacy is both personal and profound.
Alhaja Kuburat Okoya Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alhaja Kuburat Olayinka Okoya |
| Date of Birth | September 23, 1943 |
| Place of Birth | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Age | 81 (as of April 2025) |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Ethnicity | Yoruba |
| Religion | Islam |
| Marital Status | Married to Chief Rasaq Akanni Okoya |
| Children | Seven |
| Known For | Matriarch of the Okoya family |
| Years Married | Over 50 years |
Alhaja Kuburat Okoya Early Life
Alhaja Kuburat was born in Lagos on September 23, 1943, to a culturally blended family—her father a Lagosian, her mother from Bida in Niger State. Growing up in Lagos during pre-independence Nigeria, she was shaped by a rich mixture of Yoruba traditions and Northern influence.
Her upbringing was deeply Islamic, and she was raised with values centered around discipline, loyalty, and community service.
These values would later define her role as the first wife of one of Nigeria’s most successful industrialists. As a young woman, she was known for her beauty, calm demeanor, and modesty—traits that endeared her to her future husband.
Alhaja Kuburat Okoya Personal Life
Alhaja Kuburat’s marriage to Chief Rasaq Okoya marked the beginning of a lasting partnership that would shape her life and the history of the Okoya family.
Despite being in a polygamous marriage—her husband later married the stylish and widely known Dr. Shade Okoya—Alhaja Kuburat has maintained a cordial and respectful presence in the family.
She is known for her strong religious faith, which she has passed on to her children. Her role as a wife extends far beyond domestic life; she is often the mediator, the nurturer, and the unifying figure among her husband’s wives and children.
Alhaja Kuburat Okoya Education
Though there are no official public records of her formal education, Alhaja Kuburat’s articulation and lifestyle reflect a woman of depth and learning. She was likely educated in traditional Islamic schools, a common practice for Muslim girls during her era.
Her knowledge of etiquette, family management, and diplomacy has made her an irreplaceable asset to the Okoya family.
Career and Influence
While Alhaja Kuburat is not a businesswoman in the public eye, her role in shaping the Eleganza Group’s legacy is undeniable.
Chief Rasaq Okoya has publicly credited her love for jewelry as the inspiration behind the Eleganza Jewelry Line, which marked one of his early breakthroughs in manufacturing.
She influenced her husband’s taste for luxury, pushing him to localize the production of high-quality goods that rivaled imported ones. Her elegance and simplicity inspired the branding of several products under the Eleganza name.
Recent Activities and Public Appearances
In recent years, Alhaja Kuburat has continued to appear at significant family events. In 2023, she was present at her husband’s Thanksgiving Service and Birthday Celebration, seated with fellow wife Shade Okoya in unity and harmony. Her presence drew admiration for how she has gracefully aged while maintaining the family’s unity and identity (source).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alhaja Kuburat Okoya’s legacy in the Eleganza Empire?
Alhaja Kuburat’s legacy lies in the emotional and cultural foundation she laid for the family. She inspired key business ideas, such as the jewelry arm of Eleganza, and played an integral role in shaping her husband’s tastes and standards. While she may not sit on a corporate board, her contributions are etched in the family’s values and business roots.
How does she maintain peace in a polygamous family?
Alhaja Kuburat is widely respected for her wisdom and spiritual strength. She leads by example—avoiding media attention, staying grounded in her faith, and extending kindness to all family members. She has built mutual respect with the other wives and ensures that unity and peace remain the family’s top priority.
What makes her stand out among Nigerian social elites?
While many women in her position might seek public glamour, Alhaja Kuburat stands out for her humility and class. Her decision to maintain privacy, support her husband behind the scenes, and focus on her spiritual and family life sets her apart in a society often obsessed with external validation.
What is known about Alhaja Kuburat’s children?
Alhaja Kuburat’s seven children have pursued various professional paths, contributing to the family’s legacy.
While specific details about each child are private, they are known to excel in business, philanthropy, and other sectors, upholding the family’s prominence in Nigerian society.
In summary, Alhaja Kuburat Olayinka Okoya’s life is a testament to her dedication to family, tradition, and faith. As the matriarch of the Okoya family, her influence extends beyond her immediate household, impacting broader societal circles.
Her story is an inspiring reminder of the power of resilience, humility, and love.
Final Thoughts
Alhaja Kuburat Okoya represents a powerful symbol of quiet influence, resilience, and grace in the ever-evolving story of the Okoya family. She is not just the first wife; she is the backbone, the silent architect of unity, and a living example of tradition blended with strength. Her life continues to inspire those who believe in the power of faith, loyalty, and understated elegance.
