Otunba Akintan@95: Ogun Govt commissions 1st Plaza in Woman’s name, lauds Human Rights inauguration

The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele has described the 3-in-1 Celebration of the 95th Birthday of Otunba ‘Lana Ephraim Akintan; Inter-Religious Prayer & Thanksgiving Session, Commissioning of Baba ‘Lana & Ibironke Akintan Shopping Complexes and Unveiling of Otunba ‘Lana Akintan (Human Rights Foundation Steering Committee) father of a two-term Lawmaker at the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon Job Akintan as Her Excellency’s first time of commissioning a Shopping Plaza which bears a woman’s name.

Her Excellency, flanked by Reps Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, Hon Haruna Egungbohun, Oba Engr Olatunji Olowobese, and notable political office holders, while speaking at Oja-Odan, Yewa North LGA, on Sunday 18th August said the Nonagenarian has actually made for himself an indelible name through the two milestones marking his 95th birthday; a Shopping Plaza in honour of his late Mother and a Human Rights Steering Committee to take care of the underprivileged in the community.

Mama Ibironke Shopping Plaza

‘This is my first time attending a birthday party where a Human Rights Committee is instituted. . . Today, I am commissioning for the first time a Shopping Plaza on which a woman’s name is inscribed. These are indeed two remarkable milestones.

‘I hereby commended Baba for these bold initiatives. I hope other philanthropists will emulate Otunba ‘Lana Akintan. We must ask ourselves what we are doing for humanity. Baba has exhibited a life of impact, purpose and beneficial activity’.

Baba Lana Shopping Plaza

The Deputy Governor commended Otunba ‘Lana Akintan for laying such an enviable landmark, urging other philanthropists to emulate Otunba Ephraim ‘Lana Akintan in protecting peoples’ fundamental human rights.

‘I commend Baba for the bold initiative. I hope other philanthropists will see reason to emulate Otunba ‘Lana Akintan in the course of fighting for the oppressed’.

Among the multitude of nobles present were Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Reps member representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon, Hon Gboyega Nasir Isaka (GNI), member representing Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency, Hon Isiaq Akinlade, Lawmaker representing Ketu II State Constituency, Hon Haruna Wahab Egungbohun, former Speaker Ogun House of Assembly, Rt Hon Suraj Adekunbi.

Also, the presence of former Lawmakers; Hon Babatunde Edunjobi (Yewa South), Hon Atanda Oduntan (Ketu II), Hon Mrs Julianah Akintayo (Yewa South), Hon (Chief) Sunday Kojeku (for major Leader), Hon Fasinu (Ado-Odo/Ota), Hon (Chief) Alaba Adewunmi et cetera.

Royal fathers present were Oloja of Oja-Odan, Oba Oyebanji Adetunji Olowobese (Ilagba I), Olu of Imasai (Oba Lukmon Kuoye), Oba Amusa Adetunji Dosumu Elebute of Ebute Igbooro), Oba Ololade Makinde (Oniwoye of Iwoye-Yewa), Oba Basiru Oyero (Onijaale of Ijaale-Ketu), Oba Kazeem  Aderibigbe (Alale of Ajilete), Onipinle of Ipinle.

The Oluomo of Yewaland, Chief Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun (IBD Dende) graced the occasion alongside Baales, Council of Chiefs, Associations and numerous dignitaries.

atotoDaily reports that Baba ‘Lana Akintan “was born on August 18, 1929 in the tiny village of Alase in Okoso, Agbele, Ogun State to the family of Mr Dina and Mrs Ibironke Akintan.

“He was the fifth of ten siblings.

“Despite his passion, he had to leave L.A. Primary School, Ibeku (now Yewa North Government Primary School) before completing Standard Six.

“Before the death of his mother in 1967 and his father sometime in 1970, Baba ‘Lana was singled out as the brightest prospect and a pillar upon which the entire family depended on. Responsibilities increased in geometrical proportion.

“Just like a gift to the troubled family, he woke up the masculine gestures in him and took up the mantle of leadership to provide the needed support to his siblings. Yet, his thirst for knowledge never left him.

“By the age of 18, while most of his peers were figuring out life, Baba ‘Lana was busy building his first house in the village. His green thumb didn’t stop there; he grew maize, rice beans, and cocoa.

“Later becoming a big name in importing and exporting agricultural produce and even a motor dealer in the 80s and 90s. Ola Olu Motors, Ola Oluwa Bakery, Ola Oluwa Transport were testaments of his business acumen. Talk about a savvy; versatile business mentality!

“On the home front, Baba ‘Lana had four wives and fathered 18 children. Yes, you heard that right—Eighteen! He must have had a really loud whistle to gather all for dinner. Despite the odds, fifteen of his children are graduates and are doing wonders both locally and internationally.

“Now, let’s talk about legacy. Baba ‘Lana was a philanthropist with a capital P. As at the last count, has contributed to the building of not less than eight schools, Police Stations even beyond the shores of Oja-Odan and provided homes where people live rent-free for years in Oja-Odan, Ifo and Abule-Egba, Lagos State.

“Baba ‘Lana diversified from import and export of Agricultural produce (Cocoa beans, palm kernel, caffe etc) into sale of petroleum products with his brand, ELAK Petroleum. He has been opportuned to chair the Petrol dealers Association in Oja-Odan Zone.

“Baba ‘Lana is not just a businessman, he earned the admiration and respect of many people from his promotion of human rights at various levels. The man was a one-man army for human rights!

“At 95, while most people are busy counting their remaining teeth, Baba ‘Lana is still paying school fees, building houses, and donating vehicles for the less privileged. Reflecting on his life, he credits his strength to his faith in God and his mother’s resilience”.

Baba ‘Lana advice to everybody is to “believe in God and be kind to everyone—simple but profound”.