Otunba Akinola was born Sunday, 26^th day of July, 1942 to the families of late Pa Joel Osijinrin Osiyemi of Erunwon, Ijebu and late Madam Janet Oluyemi Osiyemi (nee Odulana) of Ijebu-Ife.

His father was a school teacher, civil servant, businessman, philanthropist and a great churchman – he was, until his death, the Baba Ijo of Epiphany Church, Eruwon. His mother is the daughter of Pa Ebenezer Odulana and Deaconess Ayan-foluke Odulana from Ijebu-Ife.

Otunba Akinola had his early education at Holy Trinity Shool, Ebute-Ero, St. John School, Aroloya, Lagos and Emmanuel School, Isonyin. He was admitted to Ijebu-Ode Grammar School where he had his Secondary education between 1956-1960. During his school days, he was a good sportsman and he represented his school at the IONIAN Sports, the Grier Cup and the Hussey Shield Sports Competitions.

Otunba Akinola has a flair for figures and he has always wanted to be in the finance world. Thus after leaving school he worked briefly with British bank for West Africa Ltd. (now First Bank, PLC), Marina and in 1962 proceeded to the United Kingdom to study Accountancy at the North Western Polytechnic, London.

Otunba Akinola is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries and Administrators; a Fellow of the British Institute of Management; a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants; and an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

Otunba Akinola on arrival from the United Kingdom worked with UAC Audit Department as an Internal Auditor between 1969 to 1971. He then joined Guinness Nigeria Limited as a Project Accountant (1971-1974) and Brewery Accountant (1974-1976). He later became the pioneer Managing Director of Nigerian Wood Preservation Industries Limited from 1976-1983.

Otunba Akinola as an enterprising and industries professional founded his own company, LEVIG OPTICAL SERVICES AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED, IKEJA, LAGOS in 1984. The company of which he is the Chairman/Managing Director produces optical lenses. The company is the first manufacturer of optical lenses in Nigeria on commercial basis for the optical industry – clinics and hospitals.

Otunba Akinola is a committed and acknowledged community leader. He has always been involved in various development programmes of his community. He is the Chairman of DRAGNET Committee which embraces all progressive sons and daughters of Erunwon and was set up for the promotion of social and economic development of Erunwon in particular and Ijebland in general. In acknowledgement of his leadership qualities in community development, Kabiyesi, the Elerunwon of Erunwon, conferred on him the title of ASIWAJU OF ERUNWON. In further recognition of his commitment and contributions to the social and economic upliftment of his community, Kabiyesi Oba Alaiyeluwa, the Awujale of Ijebuland, honoured him with the title of OTUNBA DEDENIGBO ATUNLUSE OF IJEBU.

Otunba Akinola is a devout Christian and has been contributing his quota to this Church both at home and in Lagos. He is a founding member of the Anglican Church of the Ascension, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos State. He was the pioneer Parish Secretary for six years from the establishment of the Church from 1984 to 1990. He is also the Treasurer of the Foundation of Hope Society and a member of the Building Committee of the Church.

On the social scene, Otunba Akinola belongs to many recognised social and philanthropic clubs including; Island Club, Lagos, Lagos Country Club, Oregun Rotary Club, Assiciation of Friends, and Egbe Bobagbuyi of Ijebu.

Otunba Akin Osiyemi is married and blessed with children.