A Plea for Posthumous Recognition: Businessman Advocates for National Honour for Efunroye Tinubu
In a passionate appeal, Akindele Adamakin, the Chairman of Adamakin Investments and Works Limited, has urged the Federal Government to bestow a posthumous national honour upon the late business icon, Efunroye Tinubu. This call was made during a significant event commemorating the 138th remembrance of Madam Tinubu and the company's End-of-Year celebration.
The gathering, held at the Civic Centre in Lagos, was a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Madam Tinubu. Adamakin argued that her contributions to commerce and territorial integrity in Lagos and Abeokuta warrant the highest recognition. As the sole administrator of the late Madam Efunroye Tinubu's estate, he emphasized the importance of justice and the preservation of her historical legacy.
Adamakin's speech highlighted the remarkable achievements of Madam Tinubu, who was regarded as the most powerful female figure in 19th-century West Africa. He pointed out her significant role in dealing with the Portuguese before the British annexation, showcasing her intellect and leadership. The businessman also shed light on the Tinubu family tree, clarifying the connection to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while emphasizing a historical disconnect between the Lagos and Abeokuta branches of the family dating back to 1945.
One of the key points of his address was the massive illegal occupation of the Tinubu Estate by private individuals and government agencies. Adamakin recalled the 1853 banishment of Madam Tinubu by the colonial administration and cited historical landmarks like Tinubu Village and Tinubu Close as evidence of her acquisitions. He criticized government decisions that have ignored court orders, urging those occupying the lands illegally to heed the family's call for justice.
Furthermore, Adamakin linked national insecurity to poverty and lack of education, arguing that decades of economic decline have led to dire circumstances. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing education as the primary tool to tackle insecurity, stating that 'a man would rather break the physical than die of hunger alone.'
The event, a celebration of history and culture, attracted prominent figures from the Nigerian creative industry, including renowned Nollywood actors Segun Arinze, Saheed Balogun, Adewale Adeoye (Eleso), Owolabi Ajasa, Anthony Ogundimu, Doyin Amodu, and Abolaji Amusan (Mr Latin).
This plea for posthumous recognition not only highlights the remarkable life of Efunroye Tinubu but also sparks a much-needed conversation about the preservation of indigenous history and the importance of recognizing the contributions of influential figures like her.
