Without making any attempt to vainfully describe the person of Hon. (Comrade) Joseph Iranola Akinlaja and his ever amiable qualities which has set him apart in all these many decades of his existence, Hon. (Comrade) Joseph Iranola Akinlaja is unequivocally a unique man who has laid a solid legacy for which his name will remain ever indelible on the sand of time in our contemporary realities.
By all assertion, clearly made evident through his illustrious existence so far, he has shown himself quite distinct, highly known and respected for his perchance for simplicity and excellence; one who has given the very core of his existence to the pursuit of the greater good of all and has shown himself passionately concerned with the advocacy for a better reality.
Born in Ondo State, Nigeria, to late Elder Badejo Akinlaja, a talking drum percussionist and late Chief (Mrs) Bolametiren Badejo Akinlaja (Nee Akinwande) the Iya Awo of Yoruba Land, a famous alternative pediatrician during her lifetime.
Without mincing words, the task of building people to fulfill their destinies is a purpose that Hon. Akinlaja has painstakingly found and taken delight in doing, inspite of the discomfort associated with it.
The events of the past are replete with great examples, and without being immodest, our terrain is dotted by men and women whose rise into limelight and stardom today are intrinsically linked with meeting Akinlaja and their stories took a turn for the better.
Akinlaja through his years of existence have built his legacies in the lives of people, one which they will ever remember, his generosity and inclusive leadership approach has seen him not endearing to himself more people but also this has seen him raise more men of value and high repute. Hence it was not surprising when he was made the Ondo State Chairman of the Zenith Labor Party on January 25, 2020; an elated platform which saw him using polity to push for the greater good of all.
In celebrating his 71st birthday anniversary on the first of June 2022, it was a great gathering of “think tank” of the Nigerian contemporary setting as these men and women of high repute came from various walks of life not just to grace the occasion but also to celebrate the erudite and ever distinguished Hon. Joseph Akinlaja.
The 71st birthday ceremony and book launch of Hon. Comrade Joseph Iranola Akinlaja at the Yar’adua Center in Abuja, on the 1st of June 2021 was graced by political bigwigs, captains of industry and renowned labour leaders, among others.
There was an outpouring of goodwill messages from Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Chief Mike Adenuga Jr, GMD NNPC, Mele Kyari, Chief Frank Kokori, Senators Tayo Alasoadura and Àjàyí Boroffice, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, PTD Chairman, Otunba Salimon Oladiti and Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, among others.
The world will always celebrate men and women who have indeed dedicated themselves to the advancement and sustenance of mankind, Hon. Joseph Akinlaja has etched for himself and indelible footprint which will transcend time and space as future generations will always look back to learn from his growing legacies.
His service to the nation as two-term Federal Lawmaker didn’t happen by accident but was a manifestation of his date with destiny to serve and represent the people of Ondo East and West and make a positive difference for the overall good of his nation.
It is the hope of many that people will come to draw from the strength of his virtuous and exemplary lifestyle as the world hopes to have more men of good substance like him