Farooq Oreagba, the Nigerian capital market executive and cultural figure widely recognised as “Mr. Steeze” after his viral appearance at the Ojude Oba festival, has described in detail how exercise and an unwavering allegiance to Tottenham Hotspur became pillars of his cancer recovery.
Speaking via Punch, Oreagba — an avid marathon runner and golfer — explained that physical activity took on a new significance following his diagnosis. “First and foremost, exercise helps, regardless of the type. Ironically, I never ran a marathon until I was diagnosed with cancer. I ran my first 42km marathon in 2017 to raise money for a cancer charity, and that’s what got me started,” he said.
Oreagba’s introduction to long-distance running in 2017, prompted directly by his diagnosis, marks a notable aspect of his story. Completing a full 42km marathon while battling a life-threatening illness underscores the physical and psychological discipline he credits with improving his prognosis. “My attitude to life is that health is wealth. If you are going to fight a battle, you have to be fit. If you are healthy and have a level of fitness, it improves your chances,” he explained, distilling his philosophy into a straightforward principle: “Exercise and being healthy is all that matters.”
Beyond the physical dimension of his recovery, Oreagba drew a pointed parallel between his personal resilience and the culture of supporting a club like Tottenham Hotspur. A season ticket holder for over two decades, he described his commitment to the North London club in unambiguous terms. “I am a fanatical Tottenham Hotspur supporter and a season ticket holder. When I’m not around, my son goes to the games; we are hardcore, ride or die,” he stated.
In his view, supporting a club that does not consistently compete for major honours demands a particular kind of mental fortitude. “When a Spurs, Nottingham Forest, or Crystal Palace fan supports their team, it’s not because they are winning,” he said, framing loyalty itself as the defining characteristic of such supporters. He connected this directly to his approach to illness: “That kind of resilience is what keeps us, and it manifests in my battle with cancer and everything else. I don’t quit. As long as I wake up in the morning, I have a chance to win.”
Oreagba’s comments arrive at a difficult moment for Tottenham. The club are currently navigating serious relegation concerns in the 2025/26 Premier League season, with Roberto De Zerbi having recently taken charge following a managerial change. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the club’s top-flight status, Oreagba’s commitment remains absolute. “If we get relegated, I’ll go down with them and come back up with them,” he said.
Tottenham have not won a major domestic trophy since the 1991 FA Cup, a fact that contextualises Oreagba’s remarks about the nature of loyalty among the club’s supporters. The parallel he draws — between enduring a protracted title drought and enduring a cancer diagnosis — reflects a broader narrative about persistence in the face of prolonged adversity.
Oreagba’s public profile grew significantly after his appearance at the Ojude Oba festival, a prominent cultural celebration held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria, where his distinctive style earned him widespread attention on social media. His subsequent openness about his health journey has added another dimension to his public persona, positioning him as a voice on the intersection of lifestyle, fitness, and resilience.
