WOMEN OF ABEOKUTA
WOMEN OF ABEOKUTA
The women of Abeokuta were central to its history. Among these women were those who held the title Iyalode, a chieftancy title given to women meaning Queen of the women. 1
Madam Tinubu
Portrait image of Madam Tinubu
Madam Efunporoye Tinubu was the first woman to be honored with the title of Iyalode in Abeokuta. Born Efunporoye Osuntinubu Olumosa in 1805 in the same city, she rose to prominence due to her remarkable economic and political influence. 2
Her extensive trade network, which spanned various regions including Abeokuta, Bagadry and Lagos, made her a dominant figure in commerce, with a significant monopoly over the slave trade, palm oil, and firearms trade. 2
This economic strength gave her considerable political leverage, allowing her to become a powerful kingmaker. Madam Tinubu played a pivotal role in the appointment, support, and removal of rulers. 2
In 1887, she facilitated the ascension of her chosen candidate, Oyekan, as the Alake of Abeokuta. She also supported her brother-in-law, Oba Akitoye, helping him rise to power as the Oba of Lagos, after initially building his popularity in Lagos and Badagry. 2
In recognition of her efforts, Oba Akitoye granted Madam Tinubu a vast expanse of land for trade, particularly in slaves and firearms. 2 This land later became part of what is now known as Tinubu Square in Lagos, a lasting tribute to her as both a kingmaker and economic force.
Iyalodes of Abeokuta
Although Madam Tinubu was the firs Iyalode of Abeokuta, the title continues to be passed down even today to Yoruba women in Abeokuta of notable political and economic power and influence.
Iyalode Miniya Jojolola Soetan
Miniya Jojolola Soetan was the second Iyalode of Abeokuta, after Madam Tinubu.
She is credited for inventing Adire, a tie and dye fabric. 3
Image: Stack of Adire , a local Fabric from Abeoukuta invented by Iyalode Miniya Jojolola Soetan
Iyalode Alaba Lawson 1951-2023
Iyalode Alaba Lawson was the first woman President of the National Associates of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in Nigeria.
She also founded the Alaba Lawson Group of Schools and was a patron of the Ogun State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists.
Image: Iyalode Alaba Lawson
Omo-Oba (Princess) Adenrele Ademola
Omo-Oba (Princess) Adenrele Ademola (1916 - unknown)
Princess Ademola was Alake Ademola II's daughter.
She trained as a nurse in London in 1935 and returned to Abeokuta in 1936 briefly. 4
Image: Princess Ademola returning to Nigeria to practice as a nurse after completing her nursing training in London.
Princess Ademola
She returned to London with her father King Ademola II and brother Prince Ademola III in 1937 for the coronation of King George. 4
She also attended many royal social events in that year including garden parties at Buckingham palace and royal gatherings hosted by her father in Mayfair Hotel. 4
Image: Princess Ademola (center), King Ademola II (right), and Chief Otumbade of Igbore, (left) during King George VI's coronation in 1937
Nurse Ademola
While in London after 1937 Princess Ademola continued to work as a nurse while balancing her duties as a princess. 4
The last record of the princess was in 1949, after a trip to Lagos around the same time her father abdicated and left Nigeria. 4
In the record she was registered as a nurse working in South Kensington. 4
Princess Ademola the Actress
Aside from being a nurse, Princess Ademola was also an actress.
She starred in the film "Nurse Ademola" which showcased her experience as a nurse-in-training in London. 4
The film (which is now lost) was produced between 1944 and 1945 by the Colonial Film Unit. 4
The Colonial Film Unit was a division of the British Ministry of information that produced propaganda films on Africa, promoting colonial development and generating support for the imperial war effort. 4
