Ẹfúnṣetán Aníwúrà (1820s – June 30, 1874) was the second Iyalode of Ibadan and one of the pre-eminent slave traders in the 19th century Ibadan. Revered as a successful merchant and trader, her impact encompassed the political, military, economic and religious spheres of Ibadan.
She was 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 psychological breakdown resulting from the death of her only daughter, and her inability to procreate afterwards.
Born in Ikija-Egba in the 1820s, Aniwura’s family moved to Ibadan after the fall of Ikija in the 1820s. Her father, Chief Ogunrin, was a warlord from Ikija, while her mother was from Ile-Ife.
Her entrepreneurial drive was reported as an inheritance from her mother, who was a petty trader. Aniwura’s regular visit to the market alongside her mother further enhanced her achievement as a trader.
She was married multiple times, and had a child, whom she lost at birth. This event has been the subject of numerous historical writings, and has been attributed to influencing the latter parts of her life, both positively (in terms of focus) and negatively (in terms of ruthlessness)
👉According to Olawale Idowu
Aniwura’s decision to migrate to Ibadan was mainly for two reasons: firstly, at the time, her cousin was a prominent leader in the city. Secondly, due to the enterprising nature of the town (Ibadan) at the time, in comparison to other locations, she could start a successful business there.
She was reported to have had about two thousand slaves and multiple farms, exporting agricultural produce to Porto-Novo, Badagry and Ikorodu. Her major lines of trade were tobacco and slave trading. She also manufactured a local cosmetic product, Kijipa, that was transported.
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