Akindele Akinfolabi, Adamakin Celebrate 138 years of Madam Efunroye Tinubu
By Wellington Jopelo
The city of Abeokuta was filled with color, culture, and deep emotion on December 3, 2025, as families, dignitaries and residents gathered for the 138-year remembrance of Madam Efunroye Tinubu, the legendary first Iyalode of Egba land. This year’s celebration carried even greater significance, as it was sponsored by Adamakin Investment under the leadership of the Sole Attorney of the Tinubu Estate, Chief Akindele Akinfolabi, whose dedication to preserving her legacy remains unwavering.
The event took place across the four symbolic corners of Abeokuta led by the Limosa family, Shobowale family, Osi Asiwaju family, and the Akindele family each playing a key role in honoring the woman who shaped Egba history. The Royal Times was fully represented at the venues to capture the rich culture, unity, and pride that defined the day.
The day began with a visit to Madam Tinubu’s tomb, where she was laid to rest. Traditionalists were the first to perform their rites. They offered prayers and carried out rituals to honour her, thanking her for her strength and leadership during her lifetime.
The traditional rites were carried out with deep respect. Those present watched closely as the Isese practitioners prayed for her spirit and asked for blessings on everyone who came to pay tribute. Their presence showed how strongly Madam Tinubu is still honoured within the cultural and spiritual traditions of Egbaland.
After this, Muslim clerics took over the prayer session. They offered Islamic prayers for her soul and thanked Chief Akindele Akinfolabi for sponsoring the remembrance and for all the good works he has been doing in her name. The lead cleric praised Chief Akinfolabi’s kindness, calling him a blessing to the Tinubu family and to the entire community. He prayed that God would continue to guide and uplift him in all his responsibilities.
When the Muslim prayers ended, a Christian reverend stepped forward to conduct Christian prayers. He also thanked Chief Akinfolabi and Adamakin Enterprise for their dedication to preserving Madam Tinubu’s legacy. The reverend prayed for the family, the community, and everyone in attendance. He asked God to continue strengthening and supporting Chief Akinfolabi as he carries out his duties as Sole Attorney.
With the presence of traditional worshippers, Muslim clerics, and Christian leaders, the remembrance clearly represented all major faiths. It showed how Madam Tinubu’s legacy cuts across religion, culture, and generations—uniting everyone through respect and love for the great woman.
After the prayer sessions, the event transformed into a full celebration. People ate, drank, danced, and shared stories about Madam Tinubu’s life and achievements. There was joy across the grounds as families and visitors connected through their shared admiration for her memory.
Our reporters spoke with Alfa Waliu, one of the Olori-Ebi of Madam Tinubu’s lineage. He led us around Iyalode Tinubu Crescent, showing us important locations and explaining their history.
He spoke proudly of Madam Tinubu’s life, saying she was the first woman to ever hold the title of Iyalode of Egba. He said she earned the title because of her strength, leadership, and contributions to society.
Alfa Waliu also used the opportunity to thank Chief Akindele Akinfolabi. He praised him for fixing the road that leads to Madam Tinubu’s tomb, saying that before now, cars could not reach the site until Chief Akinfolabi repaired it.
He appealed to the Ogun State Government to do more to promote her history. He encouraged them to start projects that would honour her memory, such as helping the poor, supporting those who need medical assistance, and assisting people who cannot pay bail.
We also spoke with the head of the Limosa family, who attended the celebration alongside many of his relatives. He described the remembrance as a deeply emotional and meaningful occasion for the family, noting that Madam Efunroye Tinubu remains a symbol of strength, leadership, and generosity within their lineage.
He said the Limosa family holds her in high regard because of the stories passed down through generations about how she supported families, protected her people, and used her influence to uplift entire communities. According to him, gatherings like this help the younger generation understand why her name still carries so much respect.
The family head also shared that Madam Tinubu was known for her fearless approach to business and leadership. He recalled tales of how she navigated challenging times with wisdom, courage, and a strategic mind that set her apart from many women of her era. These stories, he said, continue to inspire Limosa descendants to pursue excellence and uphold values of hard work and integrity.
He added that the celebration was not only about remembering her achievements but also about reconnecting as a family. The Limosa relatives who attended came dressed in beautiful traditional attire, proudly representing their lineage and honouring the woman whose impact helped shape their identity.
We also spoke to the Osi Asiwaju of Egbaland, Chief Adekunle, who spoke passionately about Madam Efunroye Tinubu, describing her as a remarkable personality whose influence remains deeply rooted in the history of Gbagura and Egbaland. He said that anyone who visits the archives at the prestigious Alake Palace will immediately see the depth of her contributions and how her impact helped shape generations.
Chief Adekunle explained that Madam Tinubu’s life is a reminder that good deeds are always rewarded. Drawing a connection to his own journey, he said his many years of service and contributions to the community eventually earned him his titles, including the Osi Asiwaju of Egbaland. According to him, the Alake of Egbaland had known of his works for over 20 years before conferring the title, proving that dedication and service do not go unnoticed.
He praised Madam Tinubu for her generosity and kindness, noting how she supported Egba indigenes in Lagos and Abeokuta, helping them grow in business and community life. He highlighted her significant land acquisitions in places like Ojora and Alase in Lagos, where she settled her people so they could have better opportunities for progress. He also pointed out that Tinubu Square in Lagos stands today as a powerful symbol of her lasting legacy, leadership, and influence.
Speaking further, the newly installed Osi Asiwaju commended Chief Akindele Akinfolabi, the Sole Attorney of Madam Tinubu, for his outstanding work in managing her estate and keeping her memory alive with dedication and care. He said Madam Tinubu would be proud of how her legacy is being preserved.
He also shared stories about her life as a strong and successful trader whose business influence stretched from Lagos to Abeokuta. He explained how she acquired lands and used her wealth to settle and empower her people, helping them build better lives.
According to Chief Adekunle, Madam Efunroye Tinubu’s life teaches that wealth and influence should be used to uplift others. Her story, he said, remains a guiding light for leaders, philanthropists, and generations across Egba and Lagos.
At the Akindele family gathering held in her honour, the atmosphere was filled with music, joy, food, drinks, and celebration as the family turned out in large numbers, dressed in vibrant colours to pay tribute to her memory. A captivating masquerade performance took place beside her statue, adding excitement and cultural richness to the event. The display drew a large crowd, with many gathering to watch and enjoy the lively cultural showcase.
Madam Efunroye Tinubu, born in 1805 and laid to rest in 1887, remains one of the most powerful symbols of courage, enterprise, and leadership in Yoruba history. Her influence as a fearless trader, landowner, and community builder shaped both Lagos and Abeokuta in ways that still echo today.
One hundred and thirty-eight years after her passing, her legacy continues to shine brightly through the commitment of individuals like Chief Akindele Akinfolabi of Adamakin Investments, her life story is being preserved with the honor and dignity it deserves. Each remembrance, each prayer, and each celebration ensures that Madam Tinubu’s name lives on not just in history books, but in the hearts of the people she inspired.
Her legacy is not only remembered; it is alive, growing, and guiding new generations to follow the path of courage, service, and generosity.