“Custodians of Commerce and Culture from Pre-Colonial Markets to Modern Democracy”
Introduction
Markets have always been the beating heart of Yoruba society, not just as economic hubs but also as social, cultural, and political arenas. At the center of these bustling spaces have stood women—traders who have shaped local economies, preserved cultural traditions, and influenced political events from the pre-colonial era to today’s democratic Nigeria. In Yoruba history, women traders have not merely been sellers of goods; they have been custodians of commerce, mediators of disputes, and mobilizers for social causes.
Pre-Colonial Foundations of Women’s Market Power
The Yoruba market system predates colonial rule by centuries, rooted in the region’s city-state traditions. Markets were often established near palaces and served as meeting points for people from surrounding villages and towns. Unlike in many other societies, Yoruba women held dominant positions in trade, a role grounded in the division of labor: men primarily engaged in farming, hunting, and crafts, while women specialized in trading agricultural products, textiles, salt, beads, and imported goods.
Women traders operated under the authority of the Ìyálọ́jà (Mother of the Market), an influential leader chosen by traders to represent their interests. The Ìyálọ́jà maintained order, mediated disputes, regulated prices, and acted as a liaison between the market and the king (Ọba). In large urban centers like Ibadan, Oyo, and Lagos, the Ìyálọ́jà was often as politically significant as male chiefs.
Colonial Era Changes and Challenges
The arrival of the British in the late 19th century disrupted traditional power structures. Colonial authorities sought to impose Western-style municipal systems that sidelined the Ìyálọ́jà and traditional councils. Market tolls and taxes—previously controlled by local leaders—were now redirected into colonial coffers, often sparking protests.
Women traders resisted these encroachments. One notable episode was the Abeokuta Women’s Revolt of the 1940s, led by activist Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. Although not exclusively a market issue, many participants were traders who opposed exploitative taxes and the erosion of their political representation. Their actions reflected a long-standing tradition of market women as defenders of communal rights.
The Market as a Political Force
In Yoruba society, markets were not apolitical spaces. During the nationalist struggles of the mid-20th century, women traders in Lagos and Ibadan became key supporters of political parties such as the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) and the Action Group (AG). Politicians recognized the organizational power of the Ìyálọ́jà and market networks, often seeking their endorsement to sway public opinion.
Perhaps the most famous example is the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, Ìyálọ́jà of Lagos, who served for decades as a bridge between market communities and government. Her influence extended beyond trade regulations—she played a role in electoral mobilization, urban development advocacy, and the protection of traders’ rights.
Economic Significance in Post-Independence Nigeria
After independence in 1960, Yoruba women traders continued to be a vital part of Nigeria’s economy. Markets such as Oja Oba in Ibadan, Oyingbo in Lagos, and Sabo in Abeokuta remained major economic arteries, with women dominating the sale of foodstuffs, textiles, and household goods. Many traders expanded from small-scale hawking to wholesale distribution, controlling supply chains that reached across West Africa.
The introduction of the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) in the 1980s, however, brought economic hardship. Currency devaluation, inflation, and reduced import subsidies increased the cost of goods. Women traders adapted by sourcing local alternatives, forming cooperative societies, and engaging in informal microfinance systems known as ajo or esusu. These collective savings schemes helped them maintain trading capital in the absence of bank loans.
Cultural Role and Social Networks
Beyond economics, Yoruba market women play a crucial role in cultural continuity. Markets are spaces where proverbs, folktales, and traditional etiquette are passed down. Festivals, such as the annual market cleansing rites, blend commerce with spiritual observances, reinforcing the bond between the market and the community.
The Ìyálọ́jà institution remains a symbol of this cultural identity. Leadership transitions often involve elaborate ceremonies, blending chieftaincy traditions with modern political endorsements. These events reaffirm the respect accorded to women traders in Yoruba society.
Contemporary Challenges and Adaptations
In today’s democratic Nigeria, Yoruba market women face a complex mix of opportunities and challenges:
Urban Redevelopment and Displacement: Government efforts to modernize cities sometimes lead to the demolition or relocation of traditional markets, displacing traders without adequate compensation.
Globalization: Cheap imports, especially textiles and processed foods from Asia, compete with locally produced goods, reducing profit margins.
Digital Commerce: Younger traders are increasingly embracing social media and mobile payment systems, expanding their reach beyond physical market stalls.
Political Engagement: The Ìyálọ́jà title still carries weight in local and state politics, though the role is now more contested, with disputes over appointments reflecting broader political rivalries.
Notable Figures in Yoruba Market History
- Madam Efunroye Tinubu (c. 1805–1887): A Lagos trader and political leader who built a fortune in salt, tobacco, and firearms trade, playing a key role in the politics of Lagos and Abeokuta.
- Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (1900–1978): Though better known as an educator and activist, her campaigns were strongly supported by women traders, especially in the Abeokuta revolt.
- Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji (1923–2013): Long-serving Ìyálọ́jà of Lagos, respected for defending traders’ rights and mediating between markets and government.
- Folashade Tinubu-Ojo: Current Ìyálọ́jà-General of Lagos, symbolizing the continued relevance of the position in contemporary politics.
Why This History Matters Today
The story of women traders in Yoruba markets is more than a tale of economic survival, it is a chronicle of resilience, leadership, and adaptability. It shows how women, often underestimated in formal political histories, have shaped economic landscapes and influenced governance from the grassroots level.
In a time when Nigeria seeks inclusive economic growth, the lessons from Yoruba market women , cooperative organization, resourcefulness in adversity, and community-based leadership, remain deeply relevant. They demonstrate that markets are not merely places of transaction but living institutions where culture, politics, and economics intersect.
Conclusion
From pre-colonial marketplaces under the watchful eye of the Ìyálọ́jà to the modern stalls integrating mobile payments and social media marketing, Yoruba women traders have navigated centuries of change with remarkable tenacity. Their influence spans commerce, culture, and politics, making them indispensable to understanding Nigeria’s history and its democratic present.
Preserving this legacy requires recognizing markets as cultural heritage sites, protecting traders’ rights amid urban change, and ensuring that women remain central in Nigeria’s economic policy conversations. In the vibrant hum of a Yoruba market, the past, present, and future of women’s leadership are always on display.
