Ebun Oyagbola

Ebun Oyagbola
Born
Adenike Ebunoluwa Akinola

(1931-05-05)5 May 1931
Igan Alade, Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria
Died28 February 2025(2025-02-28) (aged 93)
Occupations
  • Diplomat
  • politician
Years active1958–2025

Adenike Ebunoluwa Oyagbola (née Akinola; 5 May 1931 – 28 February 2025) was a Nigerian diplomat and politician best known for being the first female cabinet minister in Nigeria upon her appointment in 1979.[1]

Life and career

Born on 5 May 1931, Oyagbola was a native of Igan Alade, a town in Yewa North local government area of Ogun State, South-Western Nigeria where she was born and completed her early education.[2] She then trained to be a teacher at a training college in Ilaro, thereafter, she taught at schools in Yewa and then Mushin, before becoming headmistress of an elementary school in Mushin. In 1960, she went abroad for further training in accounting.

Political career

Oyagbola joined the Federal Civil Service in 1963 after completing her studies in England, United Kingdom.[3] In December 1979, she became Nigeria's first female cabinet minister after she was appointed Minister of National Planning under the Shehu Shagari-led administration, a position she held until October 1983.[4] She later became Nigeria's. Ambassador to the United Mexican States of Panama, Costa Rica and Guatemala.[5][6] She served as the President of the Nigerian chapter of Attitudinal Healing International at the time of her death.

Career in education and civil service

After completing her studies abroad, Oyagbola joined the Nigerian Federal Civil Service in 1963. She worked in various administrative roles and built a reputation as an efficient public administrator during the early years of Nigeria’s independence.Her experience in public administration and government planning later positioned her for a major role in national politics.[7][8]

Diplomatic service

After leaving ministerial office, Oyagbola served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Mexico, with concurrent accreditation to Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. Her diplomatic service strengthened Nigeria’s international relations, particularly with Latin American countries.[9][8]

Advocacy and public engagement

Oyagbola was involved in social development work and served as president of the Nigerian chapter of Attitudinal Healing International, promoting emotional well-being and peace-building. She was also an advocate for women’s empowerment and encouraged greater female participation in leadership and governance.[8]

Death and legacy

Ebun Oyagbola died on 28 February 2025 at the age of 94. Nigerian leaders, including President Bola Tinubu and Ogun State officials, described her as a trailblazer for women in politics. She is remembered as a pioneer who opened doors for women in Nigerian governance and diplomacy.[9][8]

References

  1. ↑ JUBRIL OLABODE AKA (5 March 2012). Nigerian Women of Distinction, Honour and Exemplary Presidential Qualities: Equal Opportunities For All Genders (White, Black or Coloured People). Trafford Publishing. pp. 119–. ISBN 978-1-4669-1555-8.
  2. ↑ The Nigerian Government. Federal Department of Information, Domestic Publicity Division. 1982.
  3. ↑ New Times. New Breed Organisation Limited. 1983.
  4. ↑ Oche, Michael (14 November 2010). "Nigeria: Politics - Women as 'Underdogs'". Leadership Newspaper. AllAfrica. Retrieved 17 July 2016.
  5. ↑ Ayotunde, Taye (21 September 2014). "Ebun Oyagbola: Shagari paid us N1,000 monthly as ministers". The Niche. Retrieved 17 July 2016.
  6. ↑ Suleiman, O. Zainab (5 November 2006). "Nigeria: 'Marwa Will Retain EFCC'". Daily Trust. Retrieved 17 July 2016.
  7. ↑ ALEX, Ehime (2 March 2025). "Tinubu, Abiodun mourn as Nigeria's first female minister Ebun Oyagbola dies at 94". The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "Ogun governor mourns Adenike Oyagbola, first female minister of cabinet rank | Western Post". 1 March 2025. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
  9. 1 2 Nigeria’s first female minister, Adenike Oyagbola, dies at 94
This page is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.