Otunba Akintola Akin Lewis: The Many Faces of a Living Legend
The name Akin Lewis sure resonates in some quarters as the veteran actor, a living icon and legend especially in Nollywood where he had carved out a niche for himself on the big screen spanning over 50 years.
But is he just an actor? You bet he is more in ways than meets the eye from the standpoint of a brother, friend and those of us who are privileged to have close ties with him.
Against the backdrop of a man who many see as a billionaire, perhaps, owing to his roles in most movies, Akin Lewis actually had a humble beginning and he is a disciple of Jesus Christ. This is believed to have informed his modest and frugal lifestyle alien to many celebrities of his standing.
Although Akin-Lewis started out as an actor early in life, he has worked and excelled in several corporate institutions for over 22 years while he held top marketing management and general management positions. These includes stints at Globacom, Owena Bank, Centrespread FCB, CMC Connect etc.
Being a marketing expert in the corporate world, he sold (still selling) and marketed Jesus to hundreds of people when he served as an ordained evangelist to most African countries including muslim nations where he was well known as Abdul-razak (which actually is one his names) .
He led mission teams to propagate the gospel of Jesus in Sierra Leone, South Africa, Guinea Conakry, Senegal, Gambia, Ghana Ivory Coast, Niger, Chad etc. And by extension also served in various local assemblies in areas of Lagos in the International Church of Christ (ICOC), Nigeria.
As a polyglot who speaks French, Bulgarian, Hausa, Yoruba and English languages fluently, excellence is his mantra because he won’t settle for mediocrity in its slightest form.
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Academically, he had a distinction in acting from the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), first class in Theatre (Acting and Directing) from Sofia, where he bagged an MA (Master of Art), and holds a honorary doctorate degree (HONORIS CAUSA) in Politics and Social Organisational Development from the Institute of Sancti Pauli Lutheran Marseille, France. He is a multiple award winner and a Fellow of NANTAP.
Owing to his modest and impactful lifestyle, royal figures have bestowed chieftaincy titles on him. He currently holds the title of Aare Atayese of Oluyole, Ibadan aside other titles.
Chief (Dr) Akintola Akin-Lewis is gifted by God. And like King Solomon in the Bible with a discerning spirit, he dissects issues symmetrically and somehow intrinsically solves complex problems, an attribute that draws many to him as spectacular which he brings to bear in countless situations at work (on movie sets), at home and at play even among friends.
Although no one is infallible, and that even the most revered individuals have flaws and shortcomings, Akin-Lewis also has his own share of life’s upheavals in virtually all areas of life endeavours vis-a-vis family, marriage, in the corporate world and currently in Nollywood as an actor, producer and renowned director.
He hardly goes out partying as is common among celebrities. You cannot lure him into doing business lailai! And like President Tinubu, egbon Lewis and social media are not best of friends especially when navigating through them…what a dinosaur! But most surprising is his accurate knowledge of history cum current affairs on most, if not all topical issues….you only need to hear him talk.
Every April 7 is the day to remember the birth of the legend. Happy birthday to the legendary Otunba Akin-Lewis! Your impact in the corporate world, film industry, and ministry is nothing short of extraordinary.
Your exceptional talent, wisdom, and passion have inspired countless individuals and have left a lasting legacy in every field you have touched.
