Born Frances Abigail Olufunmilayo Olufela Folorunso Thomas on the 25th of October 1900, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was a Nigerian Educator, Political Campaigner, suffragist, women’s rights activist, mother of the famous artist and activist, Fela Kuti, and also  the first woman in Abeokuta to drive a car. She died at the age of 77 on 13th April 1978 after being wounded in a military raid on family property. She was thrown from a second floor window and sustained fatal injuries.

Ransome-Kuti was a political enthusiast who founded and led the Abeokuta Women’s Union, which fought for the rights of Nigerian women and protested against oppressive colonial policies like the levying of unfair taxes by the colonial authorities in Nigeria, which led to the Abeokuta Women Revolt. 

In 1949, as the only woman in National Council of Nigeria and Cameroon (NCNC) delegation to London, she spoke of the marginalization of Nigerian Women. She was a rigorous women’s right advocate both nationally and Internationally, including being a participant of Women’s International Democratic Federation where she served as the Vice President of the organization. Ransome-Kuti was often referred to as “Lioness of Lisabi” and “Mother of Africa”  for her involvement in women’s right.

Along with other influential Nigerians, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s, she took a very prominent part in the anti-colonial movement in Nigeria. Her actions as well as others, contributed to Nigeria's path to Independence. 

She prominently wrote articles, essays, pamphlets among others. While her primary contributions were in activism and advocacy, her role as a writer played a crucial part in advancing her causes and influencing the discourse on women’s rights and social justice in Nigeria.

The Nigerian government honored her for her service to the country in 1965 by inducting her into the Order of the Niger. She received an honorary doctorate from the prestigious University of Ibadan in Nigeria in 1968. In 1970, she was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize for her role in activism.

Justice, equality, and women's emancipation were central to Ransome-Kuti's personal ideology. She believed that education was a crucial tool for the growth of women and that they should have a role in societal and political issues. Her views and identity were greatly influenced by her Yoruba origin and culture.

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti's parenting style was distinguished by her ability to balance her responsibilities as a mother with her activism, her unshakable commitment to her children's education, and her unrelenting pursuit of a more equitable future for women and families in Nigeria. Her legacy as a mother and a fierce advocate serves as inspiration for people who want to have a positive effect while providing for their family.

A permanent imprint of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti's lifelong commitment to social and political causes, particularly women's rights, can be seen in both Nigerian history and the global struggle for justice and equality. Today, advocates and campaigners are still motivated by her memory.

Otuosoro Ranjo