A notable character in Nigerian history, Madam Efunroye Tinubu is well-known for her powerful positions as a political figure, economic magnate, and ardent opponent of colonial control.
She was born in the latter part of the 18th century and became a strong woman in Yoruba nation by navigating a society that was controlled by men. Her life and achievements serve as a testament to the resourcefulness and tenacity that defined many women in her day.
Here are some additional details about her:
Entrepreneur In Badagry
Madam Efunroye Tinubu established a powerful economic empire by dealing in slaves, salt, and tobacco. She used her relationships with well-known people, such as Oba Adele, to further her career.
Influence in Politics
Tinubu had a significant impact on the political climate in Yoruba. She demonstrated her influence in palace politics by helping to put her brother-in-law, Akitoye, on the throne.
Business Concessions
Tinubu was given advantageous economic concessions during the rule of Oba Akitoye in 1851, which enabled her to carry on exchanging slaves for firearms with Portuguese and Brazilian merchants.
Ownership of Land
She bought a lot of land from Akitoye, including what is now Lagos’s Tinubu Square and Kakawa Street. Her standing and power in the area were further cemented by this.
Opposition to Colonial Domination
As one of the first women to aggressively oppose British control during the colonial era, Tinubu was a fervent opponent of colonial practices in Lagos and demonstrated her dedication to her people’s independence.
Military Command
She was in charge of a sizable security force made up of slaves under Dosunmu’s rule. She had a great deal of military power and occasionally carried out the king’s orders directly.
Expulsion from Lagos
She became tense with British Consul Benjamin Campbell in 1856 as a result of her patriotic behaviour, and he forced her to leave Lagos. She moved to Abeokuta, where she maintained her position of influence.
Title of Iyalode
She was given the title of Iyalode (first lady) in 1864 for her role in defending Abeokuta during the Dahomey invasion in 1863, which gave her a strong voice in Egba affairs.
Various Trade Activities
Tinubu changed her business focus to internal trade once the slave trade was outlawed. She dealt in products like tobacco, pepper, and palm oil and rose to prominence as a middleman in Lagos.
Death and Legacy
In 1887, Madam Efunroye Tinubu died. Her memory will live on in Nigerian history thanks to the naming of Tinubu Square in Lagos and her burial in Ojokodo Quarters in Abeokuta.
