Princess Tejumade Alakija is remembered as one of the most influential women in twentieth century Nigeria. Born into the renowned Aderemi royal family of Ile Ife, her life reflected a rare blend of cultural heritage and modern public service. She became a trailblazer in government administration at a time when women held few such positions, and her story remains connected to the history of the Yoruba people and the evolving landscape of Nigerian leadership.
One of the enduring images of her life is a 1977 photograph showing her standing beside her daughter, Princess Toyin Akomolafe Lambo, on a Sunday morning in Ile Ife. The photograph is graceful and composed, symbolising the bond between mother and child and the continuation of a lineage deeply woven into the identity and traditions of Yorubaland.
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A Royal Childhood in Ile Ife
Princess Tejumade was a daughter of Oba Sir Adesoji Aderemi, the 49th Ooni of Ife. Oba Aderemi ruled from 1930 until 1980 and was regarded as one of the most influential Yoruba monarchs of the twentieth century. His leadership extended beyond the spiritual and cultural responsibilities of the throne. He became the Governor of the Western Region of Nigeria and played a central role in the nation’s political and educational development.
Growing up in the palace meant living at the centre of Yoruba cultural life. Royal ceremonies, traditional rites, community visits, and interactions with local and international dignitaries formed part of the daily rhythm. The environment emphasised discipline, respect for tradition, and a strong sense of responsibility. These elements shaped Princess Tejumade’s character from childhood and prepared her for the world of leadership.
The Aderemi household valued education and intellectual cultivation. Visitors to the palace often included teachers, community leaders, government officials, and educators, creating an atmosphere where learning was both encouraged and expected. This foundation became a key influence in Princess Tejumade’s later achievements.
Education and Personal Formation
Princess Tejumade began her schooling at Kudeti School in Ibadan, an institution respected for its academic structure and character building. She later attended St. Anne’s School, Ibadan, one of the most distinguished girls’ schools in Nigeria. St. Anne’s was known for its firm academic standards and its commitment to the development of confident, capable young women.
Her education nurtured her interests in administration, public affairs, and leadership. The combination of palace discipline and high quality schooling positioned her among the rising generation of women who would take on important roles in Nigeria’s development.
A Distinguished Career in Public Service
Princess Tejumade joined the Nigerian Civil Service at a time when women were beginning to enter administrative roles that had previously been reserved for men. Her work ethic, orderliness, and professional discipline helped her rise steadily through the ranks.
She eventually became one of the first women in the country to be appointed as a Permanent Secretary, a senior leadership role that placed her at the heart of policy execution and public administration. Her influence extended across education, social development, and governance.
Colleagues and associates described her as meticulous, composed, and unwavering in her commitment to service. Her leadership helped strengthen the administrative foundations of the Western Region and contributed to the shaping of modern Nigerian governance.
The 1977 Photograph and Family Identity
Among the family’s preserved materials is a 1977 photograph of Princess Tejumade with her daughter, Princess Toyin Akomolafe Lambo. The setting is simple. A Sunday morning in Ile Ife. Elegant clothing. A poised mother standing beside her young daughter.
The image represents far more than a moment before church. It reflects heritage, motherhood, and the continuation of a royal legacy. For Princess Toyin, the photograph embodies the grace and stability her mother provided throughout her upbringing.
Princess Toyin grew up surrounded by the extended networks of the royal family, influenced by the principles of discipline, service, and duty that shaped her mother’s life. Her childhood mirrored the balance between tradition and modernity that defined the Aderemi dynasty.
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Heritage, Duty, and Lasting Influence
Princess Tejumade Alakija’s life offers a portrait of dedication to both heritage and national progress. She embodied the responsibilities of royalty and the demands of modern governance with equal strength. Her achievements in public service inspired later generations of women to pursue leadership roles in government and administration.
The Aderemi royal line has long been associated with guidance, cultural preservation, and public duty. Princess Tejumade carried this legacy into her professional life, demonstrating discipline, integrity, and a calm approach to leadership. She remains a symbol of the evolving role of women in Nigerian public life and of the enduring strength of Yoruba royal heritage.
Author’s Note
This article presents the life of Princess Tejumade Alakija as a story of leadership, heritage, and personal strength. Her journey reflects a woman who honoured her royal lineage while shaping her own path in public service. Her legacy continues through the generations she influenced and the institutions she helped strengthen. Her story reminds us of the power of dedication, the value of tradition, and the impact of a life committed to service.
References
Western Region Government Archives
Nigerian Civil Service Commission
Asiri Magazine
St. Anne’s School Ibadan Historical Records
Kudeti School Ibadan Historical Collection
