Remember the saying, “No matter how far life takes you, never forget where you came from.” Wherever your journey in life may lead, enjoy the ride and always remember your way back home.
Imagine working tirelessly for years, hustling through near-death experiences, enduring good, bad, and ugly moments, tearful days, sleepless nights, countless achievements, and commendable milestones; accolades were given, but not enough to make the earth tremble. Perhaps the world didn’t pay much attention.
But home did.
Farooq Oreagba likely woke up carefree and excited that day. Or maybe that morning was different. He was at home, in his hometown, to celebrate a cultural festival that reminded him of his heritage and the pride that comes with belonging. Farooq was Home.
It was another year of the Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State—an annual celebration showcasing rich Ijebu traditional heritage, drawing influential crowds including tourists, culture enthusiasts, and true Ijebu descendants from the diaspora, all converging in Ijebu Ode.
What set him apart in this crowd? Oh, nothing, just a green and yellow full agbada regalia, accompanied by an aesthetically pleasing cigar, dark shades, striking arm tattoos, and a broad smile to complete the ensemble. For Farooq, it was just another day of looking sharp—what could possibly go wrong, or right?
However, it wasn’t a typical day. Thankfully, the world took notice, and social media crowned him the King of Steeze from the moment he caught our attention, making us pause our scrolling and ask, “Who’s that guy?”
With an aura of pure elegance, poise, a cigar in his mouth, charming freckles, finesse on horseback, and a contagious smile, this was his moment of triumph. Nigeria’s Instagram feed froze for days as everyone sought to learn more about this man of the hour.
Appropriately, the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has honored Farooq Oreagba, who stole the show at the 2024 Ojude Oba Festival, as an Honorary Ambassador for the Council.
Born Farooq Olatunbosun Oreagba, he hails from the Oreagba Akeula family, with historical ties dating back to the 19th century, contributing significantly to the development of Ijebu Ode.
He has triumphed over challenges in the finance sector, climbed the career ladder, and battled cancer successfully. Diagnosed with bone and skin cancer in February 2014, he is a resilient survivor who has repeatedly shared his journey to support cancer patients and raise awareness about the disease.
The King of Steeze boasts over two decades of experience in finance and currently serves as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Designate of NG Clearing Limited, a prominent financial firm in Nigeria.
He is also highly regarded in the finance industry, having held senior positions at investment and financial institutions in London, Amsterdam, and South Africa, specializing in Cash Equities and Derivative products.
Interestingly, Mr. Farooq is an alumnus of King’s College, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious secondary schools, which has produced notable figures such as Bukola Saraki, the 13th President of Nigeria, and Sir Alex Ekwueme, former Vice-President of Nigeria. Other distinguished alumni include Lateef Jakande and HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.
Farooq Oreagba’s professional journey also reflects a rich history of leadership roles, having led operations across various global financial centers. He has served as Head of European Equity Derivatives at Fimat International Banque, Director of Equity Products at GNI Limited, and Head of Strategy and Business Development at the Nigerian Stock Exchange, among others.