Folorunsho Alakija, the founder and Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil, has reportedly lost her eyesight, according to medical sources familiar with her condition.
The 73-year-old businesswoman is said to have developed health complications following a distressing incident during a flight. Reports indicate that she was traveling with her husband, Modupe Alakija, the Chairman of Famfa Oil, when an unexpected event caused her blood pressure to rise sharply. This health crisis is believed to have affected her vision.
To address her fears, Alakija allegedly purchased a new private jet to avoid flying with her husband and also founded a church for spiritual support. However, despite these measures, her eyesight continued to deteriorate until she eventually became completely blind.
A source cited by SaharaReporters claimed, “She experienced a frightening flight incident with her husband, which caused a sudden spike in her blood pressure, ultimately impacting her vision. Instead of pursuing medical treatment, she focused on establishing a church. Unfortunately, her condition worsened, and she has now lost her sight entirely.”
Alakija’s religious journey began in 2004 when she started a small fellowship in her home. Over time, this grew into the Rose of Sharon Glorious Ministry International. She was ordained as an Apostle on her 69th birthday, marking a significant spiritual milestone in her life.
In 2020, Forbes estimated her net worth at $1 billion. She was also recognized in 2015 as the 87th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes and was one of only two African women featured on the list of Africa’s wealthiest individuals.
She is associated with a Bombardier Global Express XRS (model BD-700-1A10), registered to Wings of Grace Limited since November 25, 2011, under the tail number VP-CEO. Additionally, she owns a Bombardier Global Express 6000, a luxurious long-range private jet with a maximum range of 6,000 nautical miles and a cruising speed of Mach 0.89.