Much Ado About Raheem Okoya’s New Ultra-elite Bowling Club

BY FUNSHO AROGUNDADE 

There is a boost in the number of billionaires’ scions increasingly starting their own ventures, moving beyond just joining family businesses or relying solely on inheritance.

These wealthy kids are also learning how to multiply liquidity with classism in the baseline. One of these is Raheem Olasubomi Okoya, one of the two sons of billionaire industrialist, Chief Rasaq Akanni Okoya’s youngest wife, Folashade Noimat Okoya. The young lad has a new private club, which seems certain to make big money —and stir up controversy.

Raheem recently opened one of the most exclusive leisure spots in the city of Lagos —The Eleganza Bowling— located at The Clubhouse inside Landmark Towers in the bustling Oniru axis of Victoria Island, Lagos.

With a picturesque ocean view, the Clubhouse already offers a premium multi-use social space for people seeking a dynamic blend of leisure, business and wellness.

With the Eleganza Bowling, Raheem has introduced a top-tier playground to the hub to elevate social living among certain classes of people. But the access isn’t for everyone. It requires a $5,000 (about N7.5 million) annual membership fee. The sleek space is designed for private games, elite hangouts and premium lifestyle experiences.

Despite the billionaire’s young son’s ingenuity, there has been a mixed reaction trailing the venture.

Some critics have described the idea as a grotesque social apartheid and crassly offensive, citing other climes, where recreational activities like bowling isn’t a luxury and not meant only for the rich, though there are some exclusive alleys.

They also highlight the steep cost amid Nigeria’s economic challenges while questioning the dollar pricing. To them, an annual subscription fee of $5000 for a bowling alley is outrageous and it’s simply expensive and classism. But some differ markedly. Expensive is very relative as it depends on your pocket.

A source close to Okoya Family described the idea of the high-end bowling alley as a smart filter for high net-worth networkers and bringing young people with money to their circle.

“The rich understand that environments shape outcomes and networks beat talent. This is not just a bowling centre, but a network place for the richest in the society. It’s a gathering, a club for his peers. The elite rolls differently and most targeted demography would pay for it knowing exactly what they’re signing up for. You are paying to be in the room and network. If you find it offensive then you aren’t the target audience,” he said.

For Raheem, 22, who once declared that his relative success —so far— is built on his own efforts and not solely on his father’s fortune, he’s not really bothered by the hoopla generated by the annual membership fee.

He sees the $5000 as a token for an upscale membership-only club and he remains focused on his personal goals and determined to build a name for himself through talent and hard work.