Advocacy for Madam Efunroye Tinubu’s Honor
The Chairman of Adamakin Investments and Works Limited, Akindele Adamakin, has urged the Federal Government to posthumously honor the late business magnate, Madam Efunroye Tinubu. This declaration came during an event commemorating the 138th remembrance of Madam Tinubu, coinciding with the company’s End-of-Year celebration.
Remembering a Pioneer in Commerce
The gathering, held at the Civic Centre in Lagos, served as a platform for Adamakin to highlight the extraordinary influence of Madam Tinubu, often regarded as the most prominent female figure in 19th-century West Africa. Her unparalleled contributions to commerce and the preservation of Lagos and Abeokuta’s territorial integrity were also emphasized during the evening’s discussions.
Justice for Tinubu’s Estate
In addition to advocating for the national honor, Adamakin, who is the sole administrator of Madam Efunroye Tinubu’s estate, called for justice regarding her legacy. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the genuine acquisition of land that the political class in Lagos and Nigeria now occupies.
A Legacy in Global Context
Adamakin elaborated, “If she were in another part of the world, she would have been canonized. Her tomb in Abeokuta should serve as a global tourism hub, demonstrating that a black woman acquired vast estates before colonial influences took significant hold.” His remarks underscored the need to celebrate indigenous history and the vital role it plays in shaping national identity.
Preserving Indigenous History
Expressing concern over the omission of indigenous figures from school curricula, Adamakin lamented that while Mansa Musa is celebrated in Mali, Nigeria’s own historical legends risk fading into obscurity. He remarked on the importance of recognizing strong female figures like Madam Tinubu, who navigated complex colonial dynamics long before Nigeria’s current governance structure.
Uniting the Tinubu Legacy
A highlight of Adamakin’s address included an explanation of the Tinubu family lineage, particularly its connection to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While recognizing the President’s efforts in promoting the ‘Tinubu’ name globally, he pointed out historical rifts within the family dating back to 1945 and proposed a reunification of all branches of the Tinubu family.
Addressing Illegal Occupation of Estate
Adamakin did not hesitate to address the illegal occupation of the Tinubu Estate, which he claimed involves both private individuals and government agencies spanning across Lagos. He recounted the 1853 banishment of Madam Tinubu to what is now known as Igbobi and highlighted the significance of local landmarks as testament to her vast acquisitions.
Education as a Tool for Change
Linking the themes of national insecurity to poverty and limited education, Adamakin underscored the necessity for the government to prioritize educational reforms. He argued that addressing these systemic issues is critical to fostering a more stable society where individuals are not compelled to engage in illegal activities out of desperation.
The event, which was a blend of rich cultural heritage and historical reflection, attracted notable personalities from the Nigerian creative industry, including veteran Nollywood actors such as Segun Arinze, Saheed Balogun, and others, highlighting the enduring influence of Madam Efunroye Tinubu on contemporary Nigerian culture.
