Madam Efunroye Tinubu is one of the most powerful women in Nigerian history, known for both her economic and political dominance.
Tinubu was born in Abeokuta, in present-day Ogun State, in the early 1800s, and his life has been marked by both personal tragedy and an incredible climb to prominence. She is remembered for her role in the slave trade and her influence on Lagos’ economic landscape.
Tinubu’s adventure started in Abeokuta, where she was born into the Owu kingdom. She married young and had two sons, but her first husband died shortly afterward. Her life changed dramatically when she married again in 1833, this time to Adele, the exiled Oba (king) of Lagos.
This marriage provided her with not only a new husband, but also access to influence and opportunities.
When Tinubu and Adele relocated to Badagry, a seaside town known for its trading, she began to create her commercial empire. Tinubu bought slaves for salt and tobacco with European merchants, swiftly rising to prominence in the transatlantic slave trade.
Her business thrived, making her wealthy and providing a solid financial base. Adele recovered the crown of Lagos in 1835, and Tinubu joined him in the city.
Adele died two years later, but that didn’t stop her. She married again, this time to Yesufu Bada, her late husband’s military advisor. This marriage secured her dominance and allowed her to grow her business empire.
Tinubu saw the Yoruba Wars of the 1840s and 1850s as an opportunity, despite the fact that the region was in upheaval. She broadened her trading network to include palm oil, which was quite lucrative in European markets.
Tinubu continued to trade slaves in addition to palm oil, and she used her developing network of European contacts to buy and sell weaponry. These weapons were sold to local leaders, fueling the ongoing battles and strengthening Tinubu’s position.
Her power grew so great that she was given the title of Iyalode of Egbaland, the highest-ranking chieftaincy title for a woman in the area. This recognition reflected not only her money, but also her political and social influence.
Tinubu’s role in the slave trade is one of her most important contributions to history. This chapter of her life is complicated since it intersects with her political ambitions and desire to maintain control over the region. She became notorious for fiercely protecting her business interests.
The Amadie-Ojo Affair is a well-known occurrence that highlights her stance against the slave trade. In this case, a trade agreement went wrong, and Tinubu was requested to take half payment for 20 slaves.
She declined, saying she’d rather let the slaves drown than accept a lower sum. This occurrence demonstrated her ruthless business approach and strict control over her trade operations.
Tinubu’s rule was threatened when European powers, particularly the British, increased their authority over Lagos. She was extensively involved in protesting colonial practices that she believed violated Lagos’ sovereignty.
She regularly battled with British officials, particularly British Consul Benjamin Campbell. Campbell was desperate to eliminate Tinubu’s control over Lagos, particularly her involvement in the slave trade.
Their battle culminated in 1856, when a stalemate involving British gunboats compelled Tinubu to flee Lagos. Despite her vigorous resistance, British military forces eventually overwhelmed her, forcing her to retreat to Abeokuta.
Her remaining years and legacy
Tinubu maintained his influence even after being forced to leave Lagos. She remained politically active in Abeokuta, even participating in the region’s king-making process. She supported Prince Oyekan’s successful campaign to become the Alake of Egbaland, demonstrating her continued political influence.
Tinubu died in 1887, leaving a complex legacy. Although her role in the slave trade has tarnished her reputation, her political skill and economic success cannot be denied.
Her name is now inscribed on Lagos’ Tinubu Square, serving as a reminder of her historical significance in the city. Ironically, after her death, her slaves got her belongings, a twist in the story of a woman who made her fortune through human trading.
