By Ade Iyamoye
Nigerian billionaire and oil magnate, Folorunso Alakija, has reportedly lost her sight following a near air mishap that triggered a severe spike in her blood pressure.
Sources revealed that the 73-year-old founder of Famfa Oil was aboard a flight with her husband, Modupe Alakija, when the distressing incident occurred, ultimately leading to the deterioration of her vision.
In response, she reportedly purchased a new private jet to avoid flying with him, but her condition worsened until she became completely blind.
Alakija, known for her deep religious convictions, allegedly opted for spiritual intervention over medical treatment, founding the Rose of Sharon Glorious Ministry International instead of seeking urgent medical care.
A Life of Wealth and Influence
Ranked among Africa’s richest women, Alakija’s fortune stems from Famfa Oil’s stake in Nigeria’s lucrative Agbami oil field, awarded to her in 1993 under General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime.
Her close ties with Maryam Babangida, the former First Lady, played a crucial role in securing the oil prospecting license, a move that later sparked legal battles over government attempts to reclaim the block.
Despite recent health struggles, Alakija remains a notable figure in Nigeria’s business and religious circles.
She was last seen at IBB’s book launch on February 20, 2025, where top political and business elites, including Aliko Dangote and Abdulsamad Rabiu, pledged billions in donations.
Meanwhile, rumors of her separation from Modupe Alakija after over 30 years of marriage persist, though the family has not issued an official statement.
