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Chief Molade Alexander Okoya-Thomas FCNA, MFR, OFR, KSS, was one of Nigeria’s most distinguished businessmen and philanthropists. Renowned for his leadership across commerce, sports, and public service, he left behind a legacy that continues to shape Lagos and the nation at large. His life story is one of disciplined ambition, charitable commitment, and deep engagement with community development.
Family Background
Molade Okoya-Thomas was born on 8 June 1935 into a respected Lagos family with strong religious and cultural roots. His father, Alhaji Hussam Okoya-Thomas, was the first Baba Adinni of the Furabay Mosque, one of Lagos’ notable Islamic institutions. His mother, Alhaja Suwebat Okoya-Thomas, was equally prominent within the local Muslim community. Their strong values of discipline, faith, and service helped shape Molade’s worldview and later influenced his philanthropic endeavours.
Early Life and Education
Okoya-Thomas began his early education at Princess School, Lagos (1942–1946). He later attended Baptist Academy, where he graduated in 1956 as the best student, earning his name on the prestigious DUX Board—the school’s honour roll for outstanding academic performance.
Driven by a passion for numbers and business, he travelled abroad to study accountancy at Balham & Tooting College of Commerce in London. His academic journey later took him to the Columbia University Graduate School of Business in New York, where he received further professional training in 1981. His record of academic excellence laid the foundation for a distinguished career in finance and industry.
Career and Professional Achievements
When he returned to Nigeria in 1959, Okoya-Thomas joined CFAO Nigeria Limited as an accountant. Through dedication and an exceptional understanding of corporate management, he rose through the ranks, and in 1987, he was appointed Chairman of CFAO, a position that placed him among the most influential figures in Nigerian commerce.
Beyond CFAO, he held several leadership and board roles, including:
Director, Transcap Nigeria Ltd.
Director, Niger Motors Industries Ltd.
Chairman, Studio Press Nigeria Ltd.
Director, Intercontinental Bank Plc (later part of Access Bank Group)
Member, Lagos City Council (1971–1975)
Member, Lagos State Development and Property Corporation
His influence extended into governmental and advisory committees, where he championed development initiatives that strengthened Lagos State’s economic and infrastructural growth.
Honours, Traditional Titles, and Public Recognition
A man deeply respected both within Nigeria and internationally, Chief Okoya-Thomas earned numerous honours, including:
Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur (France’s highest honour for non-citizens)
Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR)
Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR)
Knight of St. Sylvester (KSS)
He also received several traditional titles, including:
Asoju Oba of Lagos
Babasuwa of Ijebu-Remo
Odofin of Egbaland
These honours reflect his stature as a cultural patron and a custodian of Lagos traditions.
Sports, Youth Development, and Philanthropy
Sports played a central role in Okoya-Thomas’s life. As a student athlete at Baptist Academy, he became a joint national schools record holder in the 4 × 220 yards relay. His love for athletics evolved into a lifelong commitment to sports development.
He became the sole sponsor of the Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championships for more than 40 consecutive years, making it the longest-running privately sponsored sports event in Africa.
His leadership roles in sports included:
Vice-Chairman, Lagos State Sports Council
President, Lagos Lawn Tennis Club
Chairman, 3rd All-Africa Games Appeal Fund Committee
His philanthropy extended far beyond sports. He funded educational initiatives, community projects, and youth development programmes. In 2009, he donated a modern sports hall to Lagos State University (LASU). He also played a notable role in fundraising for the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.
In 2010, the Lagos State Government commemorated his 75th birthday with a state dinner and immortalised his contributions by naming the indoor sports hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium after him.
Death and Legacy
Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas passed away on 2 February 2015 at the age of 79, after a brief illness. His death was widely mourned across Nigeria’s business community, sports sector, and philanthropic circles. He left behind children, grandchildren, and an extended family he deeply cherished.
His legacy lives on through:
His contributions to commerce and industry
His enduring investments in education and youth empowerment
His record-setting sponsorship of sports competitions
His role in shaping modern Lagos through public service and development efforts
To many, he remains a symbol of integrity, generosity, and purposeful leadership.
Sources
1. CFAO Nigeria Historical Records – Corporate profiles and leadership archives
2. The Guardian Nigeria – “Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas: Life and Times” (2015 obituary feature).
SB E-news.
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