Madam Efunroye Tinubu was not just a pioneer among women in Nigeria—she was a force to reckon with in 19th-century politics, commerce, and royalty. Famously recognized as the first Nigerian woman to buy a car, her influence and ambition extended beyond societal expectations of her time.
Early Life and Background
Madam Efunroye Tinubu was born around 1805 in Abeokuta, now in present-day Ogun State, Nigeria. She rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful and wealthy women in pre-colonial Nigeria. Her Yoruba heritage and strategic alliances would later pave the way for her success in trade and politics.
Her Role in the Slave and Commodity Trade
In the early 1800s, before colonial economic reforms and the abolition of the slave trade, Madam Tinubu was a major participant in the slave trade. She built a fortune by exchanging slaves from the hinterlands for salt, tobacco, and firearms from European merchants. At one point, she was said to have owned over 300 personal slaves.
As time passed and European powers abolished slavery, she transitioned her wealth and business focus toward commercial crops and other goods, maintaining her role as a dominant trader and middlewoman between African and European merchants.
The First Nigerian Woman to Buy a Car
One of the most fascinating facts about Madam Tinubu is her status as the first Nigerian woman to purchase a car, reportedly around 1834. While Nigeria didn’t use modern currency at the time, she is said to have exchanged around 500 slaves for a car from European traders.
Interestingly, Madam Tinubu never drove the car herself. Instead, she leased it out to white colonialists in Lagos, using it as a business asset. This act allowed her to profit without engaging directly in the European practice of driving, and it would be nearly a century later before Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti—Fela Kuti’s mother—became the first Nigerian woman to actually drive a car.
Her Marriages and Political Influence
Madam Tinubu was married to Oba Adele Ajosun, an exiled Oba (king) of Lagos, following the death of her first husband. When Adele returned to reclaim his throne in 1835, Tinubu accompanied him to Lagos. Unfortunately, Adele died in 1837, making her a widow once again.
However, Tinubu did not fade into obscurity. She played a critical role in the installation of Adele’s son, Oluwole, as the next Oba of Lagos. After Oluwole’s reign ended, she also had a hand in enthroning her own relative, thereby tightening her grip on Lagos politics.
She further cemented her influence by marrying Oluwole’s military adviser, leveraging the union for more political access.
Rise, Fall, and Exile from Lagos
Madam Tinubu’s growing power and secretive continuation of the slave trade put her at odds with the British colonial authorities, especially Consul Benjamin Campbell. She reportedly plotted to remove the consul from power, which ultimately led to her exile from Lagos.
Despite her fall from political favor in Lagos, she returned to Abeokuta, where she was still highly respected. There, she became the first Iyalode (queen of women) of Egbaland—a prestigious title given to women of high influence.
Legacy and Death
Madam Efunroye Tinubu died in 1887 at the age of 82, having lived a life filled with power, controversy, and innovation. She left behind a legacy as a trailblazing businesswoman, political strategist, and the first Nigerian woman to own a car.
Today, her name lives on in various historical discussions, particularly in the context of women in leadership, African trade history, and Lagos politics. The popular Tinubu Square in Lagos Island is named in her honor, recognizing her contribution to the city’s political and economic development.
Final Thoughts
While her involvement in the slave trade remains controversial, Madam Efunroye Tinubu was undeniably one of the most influential Nigerian women of the 19th century. Her story is a complex but important chapter in Nigerian history, reflecting the dynamics of power, trade, and gender during a transformative period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Madam Tinubu really the first Nigerian woman to buy a car?
Yes, historical accounts suggest that Madam Efunroye Tinubu became the first Nigerian woman to own a car in 1834. Though automobiles as we know them today were not in commercial use at that time, the narrative likely refers to her acquisition of an early European-imported vehicle or carriage-like automobile, possibly via her extensive trade connections.
This achievement marked her as a pioneering woman in commerce and technology adoption, setting a precedent for women in business and influence in Nigeria.
Why didn’t Madam Tinubu drive the car herself?
Madam Tinubu never drove the car personally. During that period, driving was not a common activity, especially for women, and cars were often handled by employed drivers or used symbolically. Additionally, records suggest she leased the car to colonial officials for profit, showcasing her strong business acumen.
This strategic decision not only provided income but also cemented her status as a savvy entrepreneur. As a result, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti is still recognized as the first Nigerian woman to actually drive a car, a milestone achieved decades later, during the mid-20th century.
What is Madam Tinubu remembered for today?
Madam Tinubu is celebrated as one of Nigeria’s earliest and most influential female power brokers. She played a major role in commerce, amassing wealth through the trade of salt, tobacco, arms, and later, palm oil. Politically, she held considerable influence, acting as a kingmaker in both Lagos and Abeokuta and advising or opposing rulers when necessary.
Despite controversy surrounding her involvement in the slave trade, she is widely revered for her courage, intelligence, leadership, and advocacy for indigenous rights during colonial encroachment. Her legacy lives on through landmarks like Tinubu Square in Lagos, schools, and streets named after her.
