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The Powerful Iyalode Efunsetan Aniwura Of Yoruba Land (iyalode Of Ibadan) by lolladex(m): 9:44pm On Sep 21, 2016 |
IYALODE EFUNSETAN
ANIWURA(IYALODE
IBADAN) Efunsetan Aniwura, the great Iyalode of Ibadan,
was a wealthy and powerful woman of unusual boldness,
strength and intelligence. According to accounts of books,
biographies and films about her, she reigned as the Iyalode
of Ibadan for years. No light was shed about her husband
but she had only one
child (girl), who died at a very young age, between the
age...s of 19 and 22 years whilst in labour. Efunsetan was a
very close friend of Madam Tinubu the Iyalode of Egba. She
was a wealthy woman in their days. Till date it is said that
Efunsetan was the boldest, most powerful and wealthiest
Iyalode that reigned in Yoruba land. Her glory was rare and
could not be compared with any other during her reign.
Efunsetan was a business woman who travelled round the
country to buy products like bitter kola, kola-nut, cocoa,
etc, she was well-known among the Hausa and the western
states.“She was among the first women that had business
transaction with the white men.This also helped Ibadan in
civilizing the people”. Efunsetan had her own warriors and
slaves like the king and released them for war in favour of
her people. During her days, she helped to improve the
economy of Ibadan through business transactions. She was
also a good employer of labour. She was among the first
women that had business transaction with the white
men.This also helped Ibadan in civilizing the people. She
was loved by all. Although a very strict woman, she was
also very nice to her slaves and employees. She gave out
gift and money to them freely at times without measure. A
story was cited about a slave of hers who delivered twins in
her absence. At her return, she gave her food, clothing,
pomade, even money. She gave out her slaves in marriages
and even conducted naming ceremonies for them, but all
these stopped after the death of her daughter. After the
death of her daughter, every thing took a new turn. She was
no longer submissive to God or the King, for according to
her, God has failed her. So, God should manage his heaven
while she managed her own earth. She killed her slaves at
will for committing atrocities either by beheading,
poisoning, etc. She gave a sanction that no cry of a child
must be heard in her domain, neither must conception,
courtship nor marriage take place. Any female that
conceived would either die or have the pregnancy
terminated by forceful abortion depending on her
(Efunsetan) choice while the man responsible would die.
Efunsetan was said to be powerful in terms of diabolic
powers. It was not stated if she actually belonged to any
occult groups like the ifa, osun, witches, etc, but she had
unusual powers which were common mostly among the
witches. After beheading one of her slaves for getting
pregnant for another of her slaves, even though her younger
brother claimed he was responsible. Her brother conspired
with her slaves to save the life of the slave girl. She refused
all pleas from friends and family members. She went ahead
to kill the girl by beheading, her right in the village square.
Several attempts were made by her salves and slave’s lover
and her friend to prevent Esunsetan from killing her (to save
her). She found out through her powers and ended up in
killing them instead. It was after this that the king ordered
her to be brought to the palace dead or alive, since every
effort in summoning her to the palace had failed. At a
second thought, he (king) decided to go with them robed in
all kinds of charms. At her house she asked for their reason
in her house, which she was told, she asked if she could be
excused to pick something. She went back into the room
and killed herself with majele (poison) saying “kaka ki ileku
ile oya saa” – Meaning it is better to die than to face the
shame of being arrested, ridiculed or punished. After her
death all her slaves were set free, some returned to their
villages while some remained in Ibadan and Oyo. Efunsetan
was a woman of great principle. She was also beautiful,
wealthy and proud, which led to her destruction.
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Re: The Powerful Iyalode Efunsetan Aniwura Of Yoruba Land (iyalode Of Ibadan) by ccffwx: 12:38am On Sep 22, 2016 |
I know this history. Nice one. |
(1) (Reply)
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