08/06/2026
Born in Abeokuta in 1900, Olufunmilayo was among the first Nigerian women to receive a formal education.
As she grew older, she became deeply concerned about the suffering of ordinary women,
especially market women who worked hard every day but were heavily taxed and often treated unfairly.
Instead of accepting the situation, she decided to fight against it.
She organized thousands of women under the Abeokuta Women’s Union and led peaceful protests against unfair taxation and oppression.
Her courage inspired women across the country to stand up for their rights.
The movement became so powerful that it shook the political establishment of the time.
Olufunmilayo was fearless.
She spoke boldly to traditional rulers, colonial authorities, and powerful politicians.
She believed that leadership should serve the people, not exploit them.
Her determination eventually contributed to major political changes in Abeokuta and strengthened the fight for women’s rights in Nigeria.
Because of her courage and influence,
many people began to call her
“The Lioness of Lisabi.”
But her impact did not stop there.
She became one of Nigeria’s leading voices for democracy and social justice.
She travelled widely,
met world leaders, and continued to advocate for a better society where women could participate fully in public life.
Olufunmilayo was also the mother of the legendary musician and activist Fela Kuti.
Many believe that the courage and rebellious spirit that made Fela famous were qualities he inherited from his remarkable mother.
S@dly, her l!fe ended after she su*fered
!njuries during a mil!tary r@id on her son Fela’s residence in 1977.
She p@ssed the following year.
Yet her leg@cy remains alive
Today, whenever Nigerian women speak up for their rights, whenever citizens demand accountability from leaders,
and whenever people refuse to accept injustice, the spirit of Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti lives on.
She proved that one determined woman can
