Renowned Nigerian billionaire and philanthropist, Folorunso Alakija, has reportedly lost her sight following a health crisis triggered by a near air mishap, sources close to her medical team have revealed.
The 73-year-old founder and Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil was said to be traveling with her husband, Modupe Alakija, when the incident caused a sudden spike in her blood pressure, ultimately affecting her vision.
Despite efforts to manage the situation, her condition reportedly worsened until she completely lost her sight.
According to sources, Alakija, rather than seeking extensive medical treatment, turned to faith, focusing on expanding her religious ministry.
“She had a near air mishap with her husband on board and her blood pressure reportedly shot up affecting her eyes,” one of the sources said.
“She has been having eyesight issues but instead of treating the illness, she chose to start a church to help her.
“Now she can’t see.”
She founded the Rose of Sharon Glorious Ministry International, which grew from a small fellowship in her home in 2004 to a full-fledged religious organization.
Alakija, once ranked among Africa’s richest women by Forbes, is widely recognized for her business acumen, particularly in the oil and gas sector. Through Famfa Oil, she holds a significant stake in OML 127, a highly lucrative offshore oil block located in Nigeria’s Agbami oil field.
Her wealth is reflected in her taste for luxury, including a collection of private jets. One of her aircraft, a Bombardier Global Express XRS, registered under Wings of Grace Limited, was tracked departing Lagos on February 26, 2025. Another jet, a Bombardier Global Express 6000, reportedly flew from Lagos to London on February 24.
Alakija’s journey from fashion entrepreneur to oil magnate has been widely linked to her close ties with Maryam Babangida, the late wife of former military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida.
In the late 1980s, Alakija was a successful fashion designer, catering to Nigeria’s elite through her label, Supreme Stitches. Her relationship with Maryam Babangida is believed to have played a crucial role in her acquisition of an oil prospecting license in 1993, under the military regime of General Babangida.
Initially considered a low-value asset, the oil block later proved to be one of Nigeria’s most profitable after a successful exploration partnership with Texaco (now Chevron). The Nigerian government attempted to reclaim the asset in 2000, but Alakija fought a legal battle and won a Supreme Court ruling in 2008, restoring her 60% ownership.
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