Ebun Oyagbola: Immortalize Nigeria’s First Female Minister, Group Urges Tinubu, Abiodun
ABEOKUTA – A socio-cultural group, Alaketu Illustrious Descendants (A.I.D), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State to immediately immortalize Chief (Mrs.) Adenike Ebun Oyagbola, Nigeria’s first female minister, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the nation.
The group noted that immortalizing Chief Oyagbola would serve as a befitting tribute to her pioneering contributions in governance, diplomacy, and community service.
They, therefore, urged the Federal and Ogun State Governments to name institutions or major infrastructure projects after her to preserve her legacy for future generations.
Trailblazing Career in Public Service
Chief Oyagbola joined the Federal Civil Service in 1963 and, during the Second Republic in 1979, was appointed Nigeria’s first female cabinet minister in President Shehu Shagari’s administration.
She served as the Minister of National Planning from December 1979 to October 1983, being the only woman in the cabinet at the time.
During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in facilitating the establishment of Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and was instrumental in the construction of key federal roads across Yewaland.
Even after her ministerial service, Chief Oyagbola remained active in public service.
In 2000, President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed her as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, with concurrent accreditation to Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala, a role she held until 2003.
She also made history in the 1990s as the first President of the International Delphic Council (IDC), an organization dedicated to promoting arts and culture globally through the revival of the Delphic Games—an ancient Greek tradition.
A Life of Firsts and Legacy
Born on May 5, 1931, in Igan Alade, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Chief Oyagbola had an illustrious educational and professional journey.
She trained as a teacher at Christ Church Teacher Training College, Ilaro, before traveling to the United Kingdom, where she obtained a degree in Accounting.
A respected community leader, she was the first Iyalode of Yewaland, as well as the Bobajiro of Igan Alade, Yeye-Oba of Ketu, and Matron of several clubs and associations.
Chief (Mrs.) Adenike Ebun Oyagbola passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025.
