The Story of Iyalode Efunsetan Aniwura...

The Story of Iyalode Efunsetan Aniwura...

Ẹfúnṣetán Aníwúrà (c. 1790s - June 30, 1874) was the second Iyalode of Ibadan.[1] Revered as a successful merchant and trader, her impact encompassed the political, military, economic and religious spheres of Ibadan. She is famous for being arguably the most powerful - and certainly one of the wealthiest - Yoruba women that ever lived. She has been described by historians as an authoritarian leader who often utilized capital punishment on erring slaves. This has been attributed to the psychological breakdown due to the death of her only daughter, and her inability to procreate afterwards.
By the 1860s, she was made the second Iyalode of Ibadan.[4] She was also made a patron of the Anglican Church in Ibadan for her involvement in strengthening Christianity in the community.[3]

She was deposed as Iyalode by Aare Latoosa on May 1, 1874 for politically motivated allegations, despite paying all the fines levied against her.

Her authority within the community and opposition to the political views of the Ibadan de factor ruler, the Aare Ona Kakanfo Latoosa, led him to plot to execute her. This proved to be difficult due to her political position among the high chiefs. He paid-off Kumuyilo, her adopted son, to betray her and lead her to the place of execution.[2] There are many theories on why Latoosa wanted Aniwura out of Ibadan. While some felt it was motivated by sexism and jealousy, other historians believe it was simply because the city became too dependent on her - especially for military equipment, which was gotten on credit. Some writers argue that her failure to abide by the regulations of the Aare was what led him to get angry with her.[8][5]

Death
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Aniwura was killed in her sleep by two of her slaves in 1874. They had been instructed to do so by her adopted son, Kumuyilo. Kuwuyilo was in turn bribed by Aare Latoosa, the ruler of Ibadan at the time. The motivation was posited to be that Latoosa felt threatened by her wealth and disobedience towards him.

Legacy
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Chief Aniwura got mainstream attention after being the subject of a play by Professor Akinwunmi Isola.

Aniwura's statue is placed at the center of Challenge roundabout, a major point within the modern city of Ibadan.[4]

She has also been the subject of some Nigerian film productions.[9][7]

Iyalodes of Ibadan
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Iyalode Subola, 1850-1867
Iyalode Efunsetan Aniwura, 1867-1874
Iyalode Iyaola, 1874-1893
Iyalode Lanlatu Asabi Giwa, 1894-1913
Iyalode Isale Osun, 1914-1917
Iyalode Ronilatu Ajisomo, 1917-1934
Iyalode Rukayat Awosa Akande, 1935-1948
Iyalode Abimbola, 1948-1961
Iyalode Adebisi Abeo, 1961-1974
Iyalode Wuraola Esan, 1975-1985
Iyalode Hunmani Alade, 1985-1995
Iyalode Aminatu Abiodun, 1995-2018