Billionaire Businesswoman Folorunso Alakija Reportedly Loses Sight After Health Scare
Nigerian billionaire businesswoman and philanthropist, Folorunso Alakija, has reportedly lost her sight completely following a series of health complications, sources close to her medical team have revealed.
Alakija, 73, who serves as the Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil, is said to have developed vision problems after experiencing a near air mishap while traveling with her husband, Modupe Alakija, the Chairman of Famfa Oil. The distressing incident allegedly triggered a sharp rise in her blood pressure, ultimately affecting her eyesight.
Health Struggles and Lifestyle Adjustments
Following the scare, Alakija reportedly acquired a new private jet to avoid traveling on the same flight as her husband. However, despite this adjustment, her eyesight continued to deteriorate, leading to complete blindness.
“She had a near air mishap with her husband on board, and her blood pressure shot up, affecting her eyes,” a source disclosed. “She had been struggling with eyesight issues but, instead of seeking medical treatment, she focused on building her church.”
A Journey from Fashion to Oil Wealth
Alakija, once a prominent fashion designer catering to Nigeria’s elite, transitioned into the oil industry through Famfa Oil, which holds a significant stake in OML 127, one of Nigeria’s most lucrative oil blocks in the Agbami deepwater oilfield.
Her fortune skyrocketed after securing an oil prospecting license in 1993 under the administration of former military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida. The oil block, initially seen as high-risk, proved to contain vast crude reserves after exploration by Chevron (formerly Texaco).
Alakija’s close ties with Maryam Babangida, the late wife of the former head of state, played a pivotal role in her success. In 2000, the Nigerian government attempted to reclaim her oil block, but she fought a lengthy legal battle, ultimately retaining her 60% stake through a Supreme Court ruling in 2008.
Connection to Babangida and Recent Public Appearance
Despite her health struggles, Alakija recently attended the launch of IBB’s autobiography, A Journey in Service on February 20, 2025, at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. The event, which doubled as a fundraiser for the IBB Presidential Library, saw donations from notable figures, including Aliko Dangote (₦8 billion) and Abdulsamad Rabiu (₦5 billion).
The occasion attracted dignitaries such as President Bola Tinubu, former leaders Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, Yakubu Gowon, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, alongside business moguls and former vice presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, and Yemi Osinbajo.
Speculation Over Marital Separation
Reports also suggest that Alakija and her husband, Modupe Alakija, may have separated after over 30 years of marriage. While speculation about their strained relationship surfaced in March 2024, the couple has yet to issue any official confirmation.
Luxury and Legacy
Alakija, who was once ranked among Africa’s richest women, is known for her taste in luxury. Her private aircraft collection reportedly includes:
- Bombardier Global Express XRS (tail number VP-CEO)
- Bombardier Global Express 6000 (tail number VP-CTO)
Recent flight records indicate that one of her jets departed Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on February 26, while another landed in London on February 25.
A Lasting Influence
Despite her health challenges, Folorunso Alakija remains a formidable figure in business, philanthropy, and religious circles. Her church, Rose of Sharon Glorious Ministry International, continues to grow, reflecting her deep commitment to faith even as she navigates personal struggles.
