Lamiju Akala: A New Political Titan

When Olamijuwonlo Akala (also known as Lamiju) stepped into the chaotic world of Nigerian politics, sceptics whispered and scoffed. After all, what could the son of a former governor bring to the table? A name alone, they thought, wasn’t enough to navigate Oyo State’s rough-and-tumble political terrain.

Fast forward to today, and Akala is no longer just “Alao-Akala’s boy.” Representing Ogbomoso North, South, and Orire Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, he has carved a niche for himself, with his growing influence in the 10th National Assembly there as a reminder that dismissing him was premature.

Riding at the helm of the Young Parliamentarians Forum, Akala wields significant influence among the youthful lawmakers. It really isn’t a ceremonial role; it’s a platform for amplifying the voices of young Nigerians in policymaking. With him as chair, the forum has already become a symbol of assertive, informed leadership.

But it hasn’t always been rosy. Back in 2017, when he first served as caretaker chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government, critics rolled their eyes. Yet, by 2018, he’d proven doubters wrong by winning the substantive chairmanship. That victory was the beginning of a transformation from political novice to strategist.

His education—from Lead City University to the University of Buckingham—often forms the backbone of his narrative. A degree in Computer Science and a master’s in Service Management sounds impressive, but it’s his ability to blend these skills with local realities that give him an edge in policy debates.

Akala’s participation in global forums, from Angola to Vietnam, has given him a broader perspective. While his peers sometimes struggle with national concerns, he thinks globally but acts locally, leveraging his exposure to craft youth-centred policies that resonate across Nigeria.

As his star rises, one wonders if Akala might someday exceed even his father’s political legacy. For now, though, his journey is a masterclass in persistence, proving that sometimes, underestimated beginnings lead to towering achievements.