Akinlaja is indeed a household name in Nigeria, predominantly in the South West region of the country.
Historically, the family is linked to the Yoruba culture and tradition with many indelible milestones. The family has played a crucial role in the political and social landscape of Nigeria.
With notable and iconic figure like Hon. (Comrade) Joseph Iranola Akinlaja; he literally demonstrated capacity and rare distinctions in public service, both as a trade unionist and also in the political circle. He embodies reputation for integrity, a spartan lifestyle, and always of the belief that public office is a trust and not a windfall.
He is one leader who has consistently praised the character of discipline and high moral rectitude in his own leadership. He has described himself as a leader of quiet strength, discipline and enduring grace, and has urged those very close to him particularly his mentees to emulate these unblemished qualities that characterise the virtues of ‘Omoluabi’, a commitment rooted in honor, hardwork, diligence, loyalty, decorum, patience, forgiveness, wisdom, and self-restraint even at the risk of personal disadvantage.
Akinlaja is one of such few leaders who act out of compassion, altruism, empathy, and love, he is undeniably a key contributor to the moral good of humanity and community. For him, cooperation across differences is not weakness; it is wisdom. As a democrat, he is convinced that nation-building demands that political players should compete passionately and govern responsibly while also giving room for posterity to judge them kindly.
Akinlaja is a thorough bred public intellectual, a delight to every journalist in an interview, a devoted churchman, elder statesman, consummate Alternative Dispute Resolution expert, passionate federalist, ardent conciliator, and an indomitable rock of the progressive tradition of Yoruba politics.
Apart from his electrical electronics engineering background from the prestigious Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos in 1979, he proceeded to read Political Economy from Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR). He attended various Labour Relations course at the International Institute of Labour Studies (ILO) Geneva, Switzerland 1981.
He further attended a course in Economic Development in Africa by organization of African Trade Union Unity OATUU (1982), Industrial Relations Course at University of Ibadan 1982, a course in Financial Analysis of Enterprises, ILO Training Centre, Turin, Italy, 1992, a course in Trade Union Development by OATUU in Congo Democratic Republic (1993), a course in Management of Enterprises in De- Mofort University Johannesburg, South Africa 1998, a course in Management at London Management Centre (2003), a Training/Course in Mediation /Conciliation by Swedish Labour Institute 2006.
Subsequently, the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) conferred on him qualified mediator’s status and was officially decorated as a Chartered Arbitrator on Thursday December 6, 2018 during the NICArb annual investiture and awards ceremony.
This highly revered septuagenarian also has a penchant for demonstrating commitment to the welfare of the underprivileged. Through his visionary initiatives and philanthropic endeavors, Akinlaja has solidified his position as a champion of progress, a beacon of hope, and a paragon of selfless service to various vulnerable segments of the society including indigent students, wisdows and the physically challenged.
Recounting his value to humanity, this Ondo-born entrepreneur who was born in April 1, 1950 succeeded in revolutionising the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) both administratively and operationally when he held sway as the General Secretary of the Union between year 2000 to 2004.
During his tenure, he spearheaded numerous struggles and negotiations that significantly improved the welfare of oil and gas workers. He is particularly credited, alongside other NUPENG leaders for fully organizing the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of NUPENG (PTD-NUPENG), the “mechanized” arm of the union.
His dedication and leadership saw him rise to the position of Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). After a distinguished career in trade unionism, he voluntarily retired from NUPENG in 2004 and essentially transitioned into active politics.
He contested and won a seat in the Federal House of Representatives, representing Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency from June 2011 to June 2019.
He was a vocal voice in the hallowed chamber whose quality representation attracted many laurels locally and internationally. Akinlaja’s wealth of experience in the Nigeria Oil and Gas industry informed the decision of the then Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 8th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara to appoint him as Chairman House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream).
Beyond his political and achievements in trade unionism, Comrade Akinlaja is also an accomplished businessman and author. He has documented his experiences and insights in several books, including NUPENG: An Example in Progressive Unionism, The Place of Petroleum Tanker Drivers in NUPENG, and his autobiography, LABOUR, POLITICS AND GRACE.
It is believed that good character is essential for effective leadership in public service, as it fosters a positive culture, enhances growth opportunities, and helps navigate uncertainties and challenges. Moreover, great leaders are a unifying force in organisations. They inspire people toward a shared vision for something better.
Great leaders equally create the conditions for making a meaningful impact. They elevate leadership consciousness, engender collaboration, and ensure everyone feels valued. By creating a sense of belonging, they create a pull towards contribution, empowering everyone to contribute, turning collective efforts into transformative change, that is what Akinlaja stands for and represents.
-Emmanuel Ajibulu is the editor-in-chief and publisher of Veracity Desk (veracitydesk.com), a general purpose online news platform (veracitydesk@gmail.com).
