It’s been 34 years since Lady Oyinkansola Abayomi passed away. But her gallant efforts in championing the development of women in Nigeria have not been forgotten.
She was a feminist and nationalist and campaigned for their education. She also founded Nigeria’s Women’s Party which fought for equal rights and opportunities.
Born in 1897; her parents may have had an inkling she was going to stand out from the crowd and gave her six names: Ajibati,Ajibike,Morenike,Moronkeji, Olaosebikan and Oyinkansola.
She travelled to London in her early life and studied music at the Royal Academy of Arts. While in the UK she also joined the Girl Guides and later became the chief commissioner of the organisation in Nigeria.
The following decades saw Lady Abayomi embark on a political career. Her campaigning for women saw her knighted by the Queen of the United Kingdom in 1954. Oyinkan was also honoured at home with five chieftaincy titles, including Iya Eko of Lagos and Iya Abiye of Egbaland.
She died at the ripe age of 93 on March 19th, 1990.
We remember you, Oyinkan. May you continue to rest in peace.