Untold Story Of Woman Who Fought For Workers During The 1945 General Strike & Opposed Independence In 1956
Adunni Oluwole, born in Ibadan in 1905, was a prominent Nigerian pre- independence politician and human rights activist known for her staunch opposition to Nigeria’s independence in 1960. An itinerant preacher with a gift for public speaking, Adunni gained significant fame through her oratory skills.
Adunni believed Nigeria was not ready for independence when it was first proposed in 1956. She fought to prolong colonial rule, arguing that the country needed more time to develop politically and socially. She grew up in Mushin but spent much of her early life with Bishop.
During her youth, she wrote a successful play for the Girl’s Guild of St. John’s Church, directed by Nigerian nationalist Herbert Macaulay. Later, she became the only female founder of a professional theater company in Western Nigeria.
Adunni’ s political career began to take shape in 1945 when she supported Nigerian workers during the General Strike. She mobilized women and donated money to the Workers’ Union, despite not being wealthy herself.
Her compassion and activism were sparked when the colonial. government stopped paying workers’ salaries, motivating her to assist financially.
In 1954, Adunni fully immersed herself in politics by founding the Nigerian Commoners Liberal Party, which primarily consisted of male members.
The party quickly gained traction, winning a seat in Ikirun, Osun North, just five months after its formation, defeating the powerful NCNC and AG parties.
Adunni’ s strong anti- independence stance emerged when the vote for independence was proposed in 1956.
She argued that African politicians had already abused their colonial powers and believed that the British should remain a bit longer to ensure as mother transition.
Her message resonated with rural people frustrated by heavy taxation, leading to the formation of a group. known as “Egbe Koyinbo Mailo (the white man must not leave yet). However, the group dissolved due to inadequate funding.
On August 25, 1955, Adunni brought her campaign to the palace of the Olubadan, where she presented her anti-independence views to gathered chiefs and influential men.
There, she was confronted by prominent Ibadan politician Adelabu Adegoke Penkelemesi, who insulted her and threatened her physically.
Despite her small stature, Adunni Oluwole was a fearless and influential leader during Nigeria’ s colonial era. She passed away in 1957 from an infection known as whitlow, but her legacy as a formidable opponent of premature independence and an advocate for the working class endures.
