Women, Power and Politics: A Historical Appraisal of Efunroye Tinubu’s Activism: The First Iyalode of Egbaland, 1820–1887

This paper examines the activities of an Amazon in Yorubaland who contributed immensely to economic and political emancipation in Lagos and Egba during the colonial era. The work identifies her unique activities during the colonial period in Lagos, her meritorious achievements, and her influence in the field of trade and commerce. Efunroye Tinubu was a queen to King Adele and godmother to King Oyekan and Oba Alake (Alake of Egbaland). Her role as a godmother earned her power and recognition in Lagos, Egbaland, and before the Lagos Consular. The paper critically interrogates the various activities of Efunroye in politics, trade, and commerce, exploring how she rose to become an influential kingmaker in Lagos and the power tussle she had with European traders that led to her banishment from Lagos and migration to Abeokuta, where she rose to become the first Iyalode of Egbaland in 1837. Due to the paucity of data, the paper relies solely on oral historical accounts, using primary sources, archival materials, and a few journals and dailies that discuss the activities of Efunroye during her lifetime. The paper concludes that, as it was possible for Efunroye (though unlettered) to succeed in the business world and make an impact during her lifetime, this could serve as an encouragement to women in contemporary times to participate meaningfully in trade and politics.