Madam Efunroye Tinubu was a prominent figure in Lagos and Abeokuta politics during the 19th century. She was known for her astute business skills and played a significant role in installing and removing kings. However, her involvement in the slave trade is a dark part of her history. In this article, we will explore the life of Madam Efunroye Tinubu, including her business ventures, political influence, and opposition to British rule.
Early Life And Business Ventures
Madam Efunroye Tinubu was born in 1810 in Ojokodo, currently in Ogun State. She remarried to Oba Adele Ajosun in 1833 after the death of her first husband and moved with the exiled Oba to Badagry, where she built a formidable business dealing in tobacco, salt, and slaves. She had a great influence in the palace and contributed to making Akitoye, her brother-in-law, king after Oba Oluwole. In 1851, Oba Akitoye granted Tinubu favorable commercial concessions, which made her still trade in slaves for guns with Brazilians and Portuguese traders.
Political Influence
Madam Efunroye Tinubu played prominent roles in installing and removing kings. She supported Dosunmu, the son of Akitoye, to ascend the throne in 1853. Under Dosunmu’s reign, Tinubu had a massive security force composed of slaves, and she sometimes executed orders given by the king. In 1855, she led a campaign against the Brazilian and Sierra Leonean immigrants in Lagos for using their wealth and power against Dosunmu and for subverting the customs of Lagos.
Opposition To British Rule
Madam Efunroye Tinubu opposed colonial policies in Lagos and was the first woman to play a proactive part in the resistance to British rule during the colonial period. The British Consul, Benjamin Campbell, felt threatened by Tinubu’s nationalistic acts and in 1856, instigated Dosunmu to expel Tinubu and her followers from Lagos to Abeokuta.
Expansion of Business Activities in Abeokuta
In Abeokuta, Tinubu identified with the United Board Management Government and expanded her business activities to include a wide range of wares, such as arms and ammunition. Her influence began to be felt in Abeokuta politics when she contributed to the successful defense of the Egba town during the Dahomey invasion of 1863. For her support, she was given the title of Iyalode (first lady) in 1864, which placed her in a position of power that enabled her to boldly participate in Egba affairs.
Madam Efunroye Tinubu Legacy
Madam Efunroye Tinubu died in 1887, and she was buried at Ojokodo Quarters in Abeokuta. Tinubu Square on Lagos Island, a place previously known as Independence Square, is named after her. She was a wealthy woman who was reported to have had 360 personal slaves. She was widowed twice, and none of her children survived her. Thus, her slaves inherited her lands and properties upon her death in 1887.
In conclusion, Madam Efunroye Tinubu was a complex figure in Nigerian history. While her involvement in the slave trade is a dark part of her history, her business ventures and political influence cannot be ignored. She was a trailblazer for women in politics and played a significant role in opposing British colonialism. Her legacy lives on in Tinubu Square, a testament to her impact on Lagos and Nigerian politics.
