Technology Entrepreneur | Data Scientist | Digital Infrastructure Expert | Cybersecurity & Data Protection Advocate | Digital Economy Strategist
Oluwaseyi Akeem Akinde is a seasoned technology entrepreneur, data scientist, digital infrastructure expert, and business strategist with over 19 years of experience driving innovation, enterprise growth, and digital transformation across Africa.
The 2027 general elections are getting closer. A new person has come into the picture in Ikeja Federal Constituency. This person is Hon. Oluwaseyi Akeem Akinde, who recently won the primaries of the African Democratic Congress. He wants to break the hold that incumbent Rep. James Faleke has had on Ikeja for a long time.
Who is Hon. Seyi Akinde, the man who wants to unseat one of the most powerful people in Lagos politics?
A Man of Many Hats: Entrepreneur, Data Scientist, Global Strategist
Hon. Oluwaseyi Akeem Akinde is not like other politicians. He is an entrepreneur, a data scientist, a CEO, a founder and a global strategist with a lot of experience in different fields. He has worked in banking, venture capital, technology, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture and commodity export trade for over 17 years.
He has. Grown many successful companies in different areas including:
Affordable Starch Production Company, TSS Marketing Company Ltd, Healthplan Tech Company, Manufacturers LAB, TSS Logistics Company
He is also a co-founder of DECA Data Ltd, a company that deals with decentralized data centers.
A Track Record of Enterprise Development
What sets Hon. Oluwaseyi Akeem Akinde apart from people who want to be politicians is his background in helping businesses grow and empowering young people. He was given an award by the World Bank, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan through the YOUWIN program.
He has helped over 200 entrepreneurs through the YOUWIN program. Is currently a mentor in the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme. His goal is to “end poverty and hopelessness in Nigeria and Africa”.
Hon. Oluwaseyi Akeem Akinde has also completed leadership programs at known institutions like the Lagos Business School, Daystar Leadership Academy and is pursuing an MBA at Hult International Business School.
On his LinkedIn page he recently said: “We will not give up; we will overcome every obstacle on our path to progress, good and shared prosperity. We will break down every barrier creating space for youth to solve Africas problems”.
The Indigene Question: Lagos vs. Kogi
One of the points Hon. Oluwaseyi Akeem Akinde has is the question of where he is from. While he is from Lagos State, his opponent, Hon. James Faleke, is from Kogi State.
Faleke was born on December 25 1959. Moved to Lagos like many others looking for opportunities.. After 16 years in office representing Ikeja some people say that a person who is not from Lagos cannot truly understand or prioritize the needs of the area.
Hon. Oluwaseyi Akeem Akinde’s campaign is expected to focus on this point: that Ikeja deserves a representative who’s not just a resident but a son of the soil who will be accountable to his own people.
The Faleke Record: 16 Years and Counting
To understand how hard it will be for Hon. Oluwaseyi Akeem Akinde to win we need to look at Faleke’s time in office.
Faleke was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2011 at the age of 51. Now 66 he is serving his term and chairs the powerful House Committee on Finance.
His supporters point to projects like the “Light Up Ikeja” initiative, which installed over 30,000 streetlights as well as little km road rehabilitation and empowerment programs that have helped more than 14,000 residents.
Critics say these projects are just temporary solutions and do not address the real issues. They say that Falekes approach has created a system of “dependency” rather than genuine development.
The ‘Weaponization’ of Poverty
Some people in Ikeja say that the political system has become a way to manipulate people by giving them amounts of money,cars or gifts. Faleke’s ally in the Lagos State House of Assembly Adedamola Kasunmu recently gave N100,000 cash gifts to 500 people
While this may seem like a way to help people, Ikeja residents say it is a way to get votes without making real changes. As one report put it, the goal should be to move Ikeja “from a consumption-driven system to a productivity-based economy,” which has not happened under Faleke.
The Road Ahead
For Hon. Oluwaseyi Akeem Akinde the path to the House of Representatives will be difficult. He faces not just an incumbent with a lot of money but a figure backed by forces in Lagos politics.
But his message is clear: Ikeja, the capital of Lagos State, deserves better than handouts. It deserves a representative who understands business, who can attract investment, create jobs and build systems not just give gifts in order to weaponise poverty.
“Ikeja is a commercial hub ” Hon. Oluwaseyi Akeem Akinde said, “and we must drive innovation and attract policies that will position us globally”.
Whether the voters of Ikeja are ready to replace their 16-year incumbent with a technocrat-turned-politician remains to be seen. One thing is certain: for the first time, in a long while, Hon. James Faleke has a challenge ahead of him.
