Markets have always been the heart of Yoruba society, serving as economic, cultural, and political hubs. Women traders have played a central role in sustaining this tradition, shaping local economies, preserving cultural practices, and influencing political life from the pre-colonial period to contemporary Nigeria. This history is rooted in the unique structure of Yoruba markets, where women were not mere sellers but leaders and organisers within the marketplace.
Pre-Colonial Foundations of Women’s Market Power
The Yoruba market system predates colonial rule, embedded in centuries-old traditions of city-states such as Ibadan, Oyo, Lagos, and Abeokuta. Markets were strategically placed near palaces, enabling trade to become central to urban life.
Yoruba women dominated trade, particularly in foodstuffs, textiles, beads, and imported goods. Men generally undertook farming, hunting, or craftsmanship, while women specialised in trading, creating an entrenched division of labour. This arrangement gave women significant economic independence and influence.
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A central institution in this structure was the Ìyálọ́jà (Mother of the Market), chosen by market traders to lead them. The Ìyálọ́jà managed market affairs, enforced rules, regulated prices, resolved disputes, and liaised with the king (Ọba). In large centres, the Ìyálọ́jà wielded political influence comparable to male chiefs (Ogunbiyi, 2014).
Colonial Era Changes and Challenges
The British conquest of Yorubaland in the late 19th century disrupted traditional governance. Colonial administration introduced municipal regulations and taxation, reducing the power of the Ìyálọ́jà and traditional councils. Market tolls, previously under indigenous control, were redirected to colonial coffers, causing tension.
Women traders resisted. A defining example is the Abeokuta Women’s Revolt (1946), led by activist Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. While not solely about markets, it was driven by traders opposing unfair taxation and erosion of their representation (Falola, 1999). This protest reflected the market women’s longstanding tradition as defenders of community rights.
Markets as Political Arenas
Yoruba markets were political spaces. During Nigeria’s nationalist movement, market women aligned with political parties, notably the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) and the Action Group (AG), recognising the strategic influence of the Ìyálọ́jà and traders’ networks.
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Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, Ìyálọ́jà of Lagos for decades, exemplified this influence. She represented market interests, mediated between traders and government, and mobilised political support, demonstrating the intertwined nature of commerce and politics (Akinyemi, 2016).
Economic Significance in Post-Independence Nigeria
Post-independence Nigeria saw markets remain central to urban economies. Yoruba markets such as Oja Oba (Ibadan), Oyingbo (Lagos), and Sabo (Abeokuta) continued to thrive, dominated by women selling agricultural produce, textiles, and household goods. Traders evolved from small-scale hawking to wholesale networks that extended across Nigeria and into neighbouring West African countries.
Economic crises such as the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) in the 1980s impacted traders severely. Inflation, currency devaluation, and removal of subsidies increased costs. Women adapted through cooperative savings groups (ajo or esusu), providing collective capital and resilience (Osabuohien & Efobi, 2012).
Cultural Role and Social Networks
Markets function as cultural spaces, where language, proverbs, etiquette, and spiritual practices are transmitted. Annual cleansing rites and festivals link trade with spirituality, reinforcing markets as sites of cultural preservation.
The Ìyálọ́jà remains a cultural institution, with leadership transitions involving rituals blending tradition and politics. These practices affirm the enduring respect for women traders in Yoruba society.
Contemporary Challenges and Adaptations
Today, Yoruba market women face modern challenges:
- Urban Redevelopment: Market demolitions and relocations displace traders, often without adequate compensation.
- Globalisation: Imports, especially textiles and processed foods, undermine local goods.
- Digital Commerce: Younger traders use social media and mobile payments to expand markets.
- Political Contestation: Appointments to the Ìyálọ́jà position are increasingly contested in local politics.
Notable Figures in Yoruba Market History
- Madam Efunroye Tinubu (c. 1805–1887): Lagos trader and political leader involved in salt and tobacco trade; influential in Lagos and Abeokuta politics (Akinjogbin, 1967).
- Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (1900–1978): Activist whose campaigns were strongly supported by women traders during colonial protests.
- Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji (1923–2013): Influential Ìyálọ́jà of Lagos advocating for traders and mediating politics.
- Folashade Tinubu-Ojo: Current Ìyálọ́jà-General of Lagos, representing continuity and modern adaptation.
Why This History Matters Today
This history is not simply about trade, it is a testament to women’s leadership, resilience, and political agency. Yoruba market women illustrate how commerce intersects with politics and culture. Their cooperative organisation and adaptability provide lessons for inclusive economic growth in Nigeria today.
Conclusion
From the pre-colonial market squares to digital stalls today, Yoruba women traders have sustained their influence for centuries. They remain vital to Nigeria’s economy and heritage. Protecting their role requires recognition of markets as cultural heritage and safeguarding traders’ rights amid urban development.
Author’s Note
The history of Yoruba market women demonstrates the enduring power of grassroots economic leadership. These women have adapted through colonial rule, political change, and economic hardship while preserving cultural traditions. Understanding their role is essential to appreciating Nigeria’s economic and democratic evolution.
References
- Akinjogbin, I.A. (1967). War and Peace in Yorubaland 1793–1893. Cambridge University Press.
- Falola, T. (1999). Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti: The Mother of Modern Nigerian Women. Africa World Press.
- Ogunbiyi, Y. (2014). “The Role of Ìyálọ́jà in Yoruba Society.” Journal of African Studies, 12(3), 45–60.
- Osabuohien, E.S., & Efobi, U.R. (2012). “Market Women in Nigeria and Informal Sector Dynamics.” African Development Review, 24(3), 287–299.
