African Activists: Funmilayo Ransome Kuti

Through her work as a teacher, activist and political campaigner, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti forged a great impact upon the continent of Africa, inspiring millions with her leadership through adversity. She garnered much admiration for her bravery throughout her lifetime, becoming a well-known fixture amongst the political world of Africa. Tunde Folawiyo and other citizens of Africa may regard her contributions as some of the most significant in the history of the continent and throughout the world.

Born on 25 October during 1900 in Abeokuta Kuti attended a Abeokuta grammar school to acquire a proper secondary education before travelling to England to pursue further studies. Later, she made a return to Nigeria, becoming a teacher. Years later, she became a founder of two unions – for both teachers and students – in Nigeria, a true testament to her commitment to fair education. During 1965, Ransome-Kuti was bestowed a national honour, becoming a member in the famed Order of Nigeria. She was also the recipient of an honourary doctorate in law during 1968. These achievements further demonstrate her myriad contributions to the field of education, as well as her humanitarian efforts throughout her long career.

Ransome-Kuti's was renowned within Africa for her activist efforts, becoming well known as a leader in female rights throughout Nigeria. Early in her career, she proved a powerful force in advocating for Nigerian women’s rights to vote. She later led Egba’s women in a campaign to combat arbitrary taxation. This struggle brought upon an abdication of Oba Ademola, Egba’s high king during 1949.

Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to raising awareness about civil injustices plaguing women, Ransome-Kuti joined with Elizabeth Adekogbe to form a dynamic leadership of women's rights during the 1950’s. She also founded a thriving women’s organization in Abeokuta, boasting a membership of over twenty thousand women.

In addition to her outstanding work as a political and Ransome-Kuti was amongst the group of women elected for the House of Chiefs, where she served as the Yoruba people’s Oloye. She also served as a ranking member for Nigeria’s National Council. In addition to these, she was both President and treasurer of the Western Women’s Association and a leader of the Commoner People’s Party. Her contributions remain a great source of inspiration for activists of varied causes throughout the world. Tunde Folawiyo and others with a great appreciation for the cultural icons of Africa may regard Ransome-Kuti amongst the most beloved to ever live.