Efunroye Estate Administrator Decries Massive Trespass, Tasks President on Family Reunification
By Ranti Thomas
On December 24, 2025, history, culture and celebration converged at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, as Adamakin Investment and Works hosted the 138th remembrance of the late Madam Efunroye Tinubu, alongside its end-of-the-year party. The event was a colourful blend of reflection and festivity, honouring one of the most formidable women in Yoruba and Nigerian history while setting the tone for unity, legacy and progress.
From the early hours, the venue came alive with an impressive turnout of dignitaries, traditional figures, industry leaders, stars and celebrities many of whom gathered to pay tribute to Madam Tinubu’s enduring influence. The atmosphere reflected deep respect for a woman whose life transcended commerce, politics and gender limitations in pre-colonial and colonial Nigeria.
The remembrance was spearheaded by Chief Adamakin Akinfolabi Adamakin, the Sole Power of Attorney of the Tinubu Estate, a renowned real estate expert, businessman and philanthropist. His leadership and commitment to preserving Madam Tinubu’s legacy were evident throughout the planning and execution of the event.
Before proceedings officially began, our journalist secured an exclusive interview with Chief Adamakin, who expressed heartfelt appreciation to members of the press for honouring the invitation and for continually shining a light on the mission of the Tinubu Estate. He described the media as a crucial partner in ensuring that Madam Efunroye Tinubu’s story is not forgotten or distorted by time.
Chief Adamakin also spoke candidly about the Tinubu lineage, revealing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was originally meant to be one of the beneficiaries of the Tinubu Estate. However, according to him, longstanding divergence and disagreements between the Lagos-based Tinubus and the Abeokuta Tinubus have complicated that process.
He stressed that the unification of both families remains one of his core goals, noting that unity is essential for preserving the estate, protecting its assets and honouring the true spirit of Madam Tinubu. Despite these challenges, he openly declared his support for President Tinubu’s administration, offering prayers for wisdom, strength and success as the President steers the affairs of the nation.
Reflecting on Madam Efunroye Tinubu herself, Chief Adamakin described her as a great woman born in the Owu Kingdom, whose life story remains a testament to courage, intelligence and resilience. He noted that she rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful female figures of her era.
Madam Tinubu was widely known as a successful trader, dominating major trade routes between the hinterland and the coast. Through strategic trade, negotiation, alliances and, at times, conquest, she acquired vast expanses of land—an achievement unmatched by any Black woman of her time, and arguably in global history.
Her land holdings, Chief Adamakin explained, stretched across Lagos and Abeokuta, symbolising her economic and political influence. However, over the years, many of these lands have been lost, encroached upon or taken over by individuals, institutions and even government authorities—some dating back to the colonial era.
“Her contributions stand unparalleled. The land’s political leaders occupy today were acquired genuinely through purchase and conquest, long before colonial peaks.
‘In another nation, she’d be canonised; her Abeokuta tomb could rival global tourism sites, drawing Americans to witness a Black woman’s empire,” Chief Adamakin declared.
He decried the erasure of indigenous heroes from Nigerian school curricula, contrasting Mali’s reverence for Mansa Musa with Nigeria’s neglect.
He identified this encroachment as one of the major challenges currently facing the Tinubu Estate, calling on government at all levels to intervene by protecting historical properties and preventing the continued loss of Madam Tinubu’s rightful assets.
Chief Adamakin emphasised that Madam Tinubu’s greatness went beyond wealth and land ownership. She was a power broker, a kingmaker and a woman whose influence shaped governance in Lagos during a critical period of transition and colonial interference.
He noted that telling her story is essential, particularly for young women, as her life proves that leadership, courage and vision are not limited by gender. Madam Tinubu’s legacy, he said, should inspire women to dream boldly, lead confidently and challenge societal limitations.
In a reflective moment, Chief Adamakin stated that Madam Tinubu’s life teaches humanity that true legacy is not built solely through reproduction, but through intellect, impact and service to society. He urged people to focus on how they can positively shape the world and leave it better than they met it.
Following the interview, the event formally commenced with opening prayers offered in Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa, symbolising unity, diversity and shared heritage—values Madam Tinubu herself embodied during her lifetime.
The celebration featured goodwill messages and short speeches from notable guests, including Owolabi Ajasa, Anthony Ogundimu, Doyin Amodu, Adewale Adeoye (Elesho), Segun Arinze, Abolaji Amusan and Saheed Balogun. Each speaker paid glowing tribute to Madam Tinubu and applauded Chief Adamakin for his tireless efforts in preserving her legacy.
They described Madam Tinubu as fearless, visionary and ahead of her time, while commending the remembrance as a necessary platform for historical education and cultural preservation.
The event also lived up to its celebratory spirit, with food, drinks and music flowing freely as guests from different walks of life mingled, networked and danced—turning remembrance into a joyful affirmation of life and history.
As the evening progressed, it became clear that the gathering was more than a party; it was a statementone that reaffirmed the relevance of Madam Efunroye Tinubu in contemporary Nigeria.
Born in the late 18th century, Madam Efunroye Tinubu rose to prominence as a trader, political influencer and matriarch whose strength challenged both traditional norms and colonial authorities. Her life remains a symbol of African female power, resilience and enterprise.
The 138th remembrance closed on a reflective note, reminding attendees that while Madam Tinubu may be long gone, her spirit, influence and lessons endure. Through continued storytelling, unity and preservation, her legacy will remain a guiding light—one that continues to inspire generations to think boldly, act courageously and leave a meaningful imprint on history.