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10 Things To Know About Madam Efunroye Tinubu, The Powerful Slave Trader And Kingmaker

Madam Efunroye Tinubu is a remarkable figure in Nigerian history, renowned for her influential role as a business mogul, political leader, and staunch opponent of colonial rule.
Born in the late 18th century, she navigated a male-dominated society and emerged as a powerful woman in Yoruba land.
Her life and legacy are emblematic of the resilience and resourcefulness that characterized many women of her time.
Here are more things to know about her:
Business Mogul
Madam Efunroye Tinubu built a formidable business empire in Badagry, dealing in tobacco, salt, and slaves. She leveraged connections with prominent figures like Oba Adele to expand her trade.
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Political Influence
Tinubu had substantial influence in the Yoruba political landscape. She played a key role in elevating her brother-in-law, Akitoye, to the throne, showing her power in palace politics.
Commercial Concessions
In 1851, under Oba Akitoye’s reign, Tinubu was granted favorable commercial concessions, allowing her to continue trading in slaves for guns with Brazilian and Portuguese traders.
Land Ownership
She acquired significant land from Akitoye, which includes what is now known as Tinubu Square and Kakawa Street in Lagos. This further solidified her status and influence in the region.
Resistance to Colonial Rule
Tinubu was a fierce opponent of colonial policies in Lagos, being one of the first women to actively resist British rule during the colonial period, showcasing her commitment to her people’s autonomy.
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Military Authority
Under the reign of Dosunmu, she commanded a substantial security force, which was composed of slaves. She held considerable military authority and sometimes executed orders directly on behalf of the king.
Expulsion from Lagos
In 1856, her nationalistic actions led to tensions with the British Consul, Benjamin Campbell, who instigated her expulsion from Lagos. She relocated to Abeokuta, where she continued her influential role.
Iyalode Title
After contributing to the defense of Abeokuta during the Dahomey invasion in 1863, she was honored with the title of Iyalode (first lady) in 1864, granting her a powerful voice in Egba affairs.
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Diverse Trade Activities
Following the ban on the slave trade, Tinubu shifted her business focus towards internal trade, dealing in goods like palm oil, pepper, and tobacco, and became a leading middleman in Lagos.
Legacy and Death
Madam Efunroye Tinubu passed away in 1887. Tinubu Square in Lagos is named in her honor, and she was buried in Ojokodo Quarters in Abeokuta, ensuring her legacy continues to be recognized in Nigerian history.
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News
Court Bars CCETC From Entering Ossiomo Land, Using Its Property
An Edo State High Court in Benin has restrained Jiangsu Communication Clean Energy Technology Company Limited (CCETC) from entering the land of Ossiomo Power and Infrastructure Company
Limited pending the hearing and determination of motion of notice.
Hon. Justice Mary Itsueli—vacation judge, gave the restraining order in an ex-perte motion filed before the Honourable Court by Emmanuel Usoh, counsel to Ossiomo Power and Infrastructure Company
Limited.
In the suit marked: B/242/2025, Ossiomo Investment Limited, Ossiomo Power and Infrastructure Company
Limited, Ossiomo Offsites and Utility Limited, Quadrant Gas Development Company Limited are the claimants while Jiangsu Communication Clean Energy Technology Company Limited (CCETC) stands as defendant.
Usoh had, on behalf of Ossiomo Ossiomo Power and Infrastructure Company
Limited, approached the court, sought an interim injunction restraining CCETC from gaining access to the land or utilising any property belonging to the claimant.
READ ALSO:Ossiomo Restores Power To Customers After Barely Two Weeks Outage
Usoh sought an interim order restraining “the Defendant whether by itself, agents, representatives, Directors, staff, privies assigns, or anyone directly or otherwise and howsoever described from parading itself as a member or a shareholder of the 2nd Claimant or relying o using the Joint Venture Agreement pending the hearing and determination o the Motion on Notice.”
In the enrollment of order dated September 11, 2025, Justice Itsueli, said having “given a most careful consideration to the application, supporting affidavit and annexures, I am minded to grant the interim order of injunction.”
The vacation judge, therefore, ordered that, “The Defendant whether by itself, privies, assigns and anyone directly or otherwise and howsoever described are restrained from accessing, utilizing the infrastructure of the Claimants including the 33KVA lines, gas engines and gas infrastructure built by the Claimants to supply gas to the power plant and generate electricity supply whether by bulk sales or transmission to corporate entities or individuals in Edo State pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice already filed.”
Hon. Itsueli also ordered “the Defendant whether by itself, agents, representatives, Directors, staff, privies, assigns, or anyone directly or otherwise and howsoever described are restrained from parading themselves member or shareholder of the 2nd Claimant or relying or using the Joint Venture Agreement pending the pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice already filed.”
READ ALSO:Ossiomo, Chinese Impasse: This Is Our Story — Management
Recall that Ossiomo Power and Infrastructure Company
Limited and CCETC have been in ownership tussle which led to the power plant being shut down on September 1, 2025.
Speaking during a press briefing on the latest in the power tussle between Ossiomo and its investment partners, Usoh said, CCETC, having aware of the restraining order, had so far approached the arbitrary panel in Singapore.
He said: “CCETC, being aware of the restraining order, also immediately approached the arbitrary panel for arbitration in Singapore. The rationale behind this update is for the whole world to know that Singapore, being the seat of economics arbitration globally, is aware of the issues happening between Ossiomo and CCETC. We had the opportunity of seeing the copy of the arbitration, and we are replying accordingly.”
On Ossiomo and Edo State Government, Usoh disclosed: “Our relationship with the Edo State Government is what we call Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Ossiomo develops power and sells to Edo State Government at market value. They are our landlord, we cannot owe grudge against the government. My appeal to the government is to do business with us so that everyone in Edo will benefit.”
News
IPF Celebrates Otuaro On His Birthday Anniversary
The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has felicitated with Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, on the occasion of his birthday.
A statement issued by the secretary of the body, Tare Magbei, commended Otuaro for his “steady leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme,” which according to the forum has “continued to strengthen peace, rehabilitation, and development in the Niger Delta.”
READ ALSO: Otuaro Lauds Tinubu For Backing PAP’s Peacebuilding Process In Niger Delta
“Your efforts in providing opportunities for ex-agitators and in advancing stability across the region stand as clear evidence of your dedication to the people and progress of our land.
“As you mark this new year of life, we join your family, friends, and well-wishers in praying for good health, wisdom, and greater success in the service of the Niger Delta and Nigeria.”
News
JUST IN: Okpehbolo Appoints New VC For AAU
Edo State governor, Monday Okpehbolo, has approved the appointment of Professor (Mrs.) Eunice Eboserehimen Omonzejie as the new Vice-Chancellor of the state-owned Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma.
A statement issued late night by Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, said her appointment takes immediate effect.
According to the statement, Prof. Omonzejie was appointed amongst the three names submitted by the Governing Council of the university to the state government.
READ ALSO: Okpebholo Approves Construction Of 500-room Hostel For AAU
The statement partly reads, “Professor (Mrs.) Eunice Eboserehimen Omonzejie
Professor Omonzejie is a distinguished scholar of French and Francophone African Literatures and a long-serving academic in the Department of Modern Languages at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
“She is a prolific researcher and editor, with contributions to African and Francophone literary studies, gender studies, and cultural studies.
“She has served as the President of the Ambrose Alli University Chapter of the National Association of Women Academics (NAWACS), where she has championed mentoring, research, and advocacy for female academics and students.
“Professor Omonzejie has co-edited several seminal works including French Language in Nigeria: Essays in Honour of UFTAN Pacesetters and Language Matters in Contemporary West Africa, and is the author of Women Novelists in Francophone Black Africa: Views, Reviews and Interviews,” the statement added.
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