Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala is the son of late Christopher Alao Akala, foremost Nigerian politician and one of the gladiators of the democratic fight for Nigeria during the pre-democratic era and former governor of Oyo state. Born in 1984 into family of influential parents one would have tagged him as one of the lost legacies of a political dynasty after his father’s demise in 2022 yet Hon Juwon has marked a trajectory that spells greatness ahead.
Hon. Juwon is a graduate of Computer and Information Science from Leeds University, Ibadan and holds a Masters Degree in Service Management from University of Buckingham, London, United Kingdom.
The emerging young political leader in the South West grew within a political environment built on service to the people and commitment to their well being.
Olamiju’s interest in politics was largely influenced by his politician father. He joined his father’s political campaign team in 2007, 2011 and 2015. After his father lost his re-election bid in 2011, Olamiju remained active in politics and gained tremendous popularity all over Oyo State, most especially Ogbomoso. This led to his appointment as Caretaker Chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government by the Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi. He was one of the 3 youngest Local Government Chairmen in the State.
Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, the lawmaker representing Ogbomoso North, South, and Orire Federal constituency at the 10th National Assembly seems to tick all that Shakespearean greatness boxes. Born to an illustrious family of the late
Former Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, the young, vibrant, and energetic new-generation politician has greatness thrust upon him with his new legislative assignments.
But as an experienced public administrator who is equally exposed to global best practices in leadership, Hon. Olamijuwonlo, one of Nigeria’s youngest Federal lawmakers is a man to beat. Urbane, yet rooted in the understanding of people’s needs; born with a silver spoon, yet simple and unassuming; educated in some of the renowned institutions in the world, yet humbled and down-to-earth.
In 2022, at the wake of the loss of his father, Hon Juwon faced with the challenge to chicken out on his political dream or take the bull by horns. Undeterred, he threw in his hat into the race Federal House of Representatives ticket under the All Progressives Congress (APC). His victory at the party’s primaries sent a loud signals to observers that a colossus was about to stomp the contest for Ogbomosho’s Federal Representation.
The former Chairman of Ogbomosho and the youngest local government chairman at the time emerged victorious at the 2023 general elections polling 33, 268 votes to beat his close rival, Olufemi Onireti of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 27,126. He is currently the Chairman, House Committee on Youth in Parliament at the lower chamber of the national assembly.
Hon. Olamijuwonlo has done exceedingly well in demonstrating leadership where it matters, when it matters. In essence, it is a remarkable adventure in Nigeria as we briskly walk into the era of renewed hope, optimism, and confidence.
by Raphael Atuu, Aug-Oct 2023