Madam Tinubu

Madam Efunroye Tinubu (c. 1810 – 1887) born Efunporoye Osuntinubu was a politically significant figure in Nigerian history because of her role as a powerful female and slave trader in pre colonial and colonial Nigeria. She was a major figure in Lagos during the reigns of Obas Adele, Oluwole, Akitoye and Dosunmu.

Tinubu was born in the Ojokodo forest area of Egbaland, her father's name was Olumosa. She was allegedly of Owu ancestry either through her maternal or paternal side. Madam Tinubu was reportedly married multiple times. Her first marriage to an Owu man bore two sons. After her Owu husband died, she remarried the exiled Oba Adele in 1833 who, while visiting Abeokuta, was charmed by Tinubu. She moved with the exiled Oba to Badagry which was traditionally the place of refuge for Lagos monarchs and was where she exploited Adele's connections to build a formidable business trading in tobacco, salt, and slaves.

The exiled Oba Adele was still in Badagry when his successor, Oba Idewu died. Prince Kosoko, Idewu Ojulari's brother, was a major contender for the throne however Eletu Odibo, the chief Kingmaker thwarted Kosoko's aspiration and Adele was invited to become Oba. Tinubu accompanied Adele to Lagos but the Oba died 2 years later. After Adele's death in 1837, Tinubu reportedly supported Oluwole, Adele's son's bid for the Obaship of Lagos over that of Kosoko.

Oba Oluwole had recurring conflicts with Kosoko who felt he was the true heir to the throne. Consequently, Kosoko was banished to Ouidah. During Oluwole's reign, Madam Tinubu remarried one Yesufu Bada, alias Obadina, who was Oluwole's war captain and with the support of Oluwole, Tinubu and Yesufu's trading activities with Egbas grew .

When Oluwole died in 1841, Tinubu supported Akitoye her brother-in-law's bid for the Obaship over Kosoko's. After Akitoye emerged Oba, he granted Tinubu favorable commercial concessions. Against the wish of his chiefs, Akitoye invited Kosoko back to Lagos and tried to placate him. Soon thereafter, Kosoko dislodged Akitoye from the throne. Considering Tinubu's alliance with Akitoye, she and other Akitoye supporters fled to Badagry when Kosoko became Oba in 1845. As a wealthy woman, Madam Tinubu was able to influence economic and political decisions so during her time in Badagry, she tried to rally Akitoye's supporters to wage war against Kosoko.

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