Ibadan, the historic capital of Oyo State, has produced and nurtured women who have made their mark in business, politics, diplomacy, media, entertainment and other areas of public life.
Over the years, these women have built reputations through their careers, businesses, professional accomplishments and contributions to society.
Their stories also reflect the diverse ways in which women from Ibadan have established themselves both within Nigeria and beyond.
Success means different things to different people. For some, it is professional achievement; for others, it is building a sustainable business, serving the public, raising a family or contributing meaningfully to society.
In this special report, City People’s Dare Adeniran profiles 20 women with strong connections to Ibadan who, at the time of the original publication, had distinguished themselves in their respective fields.
Some are widely known, while others may not immediately be associated with Ibadan. Their family backgrounds, professional journeys and public profiles have nevertheless made them notable figures within the city’s social and professional circles.
Here are their stories.
Alhaja Aninat Abiodun
Alhaja Aminat Abiodun, the Iyalode of Ibadanland, is one of the prominent women in Ibadan’s traditional and business circles.
She is a successful businesswoman and a role model who had remained active in public life for several decades. She became Jagun Iyalode of Ibadanland in 1971 and subsequently rose through the traditional institution to become Iyalode.
Her long-standing presence in Ibadan’s social and traditional circles placed her one of the notable women of her generation.
Dame Abimbola Fashola
Dame Abimbola Fashola is the wife of former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola.
She has roots in the Ojo family of Ibadan and has maintained a public profile through her social and community activities.
Over the years, she has also been involved in initiatives focused on women, children and community development.
Chief (Mrs.) Nike Akande
Chief (Mrs.) Onikepo Akande is a prominent businesswoman, former minister and respected figure in Nigeria’s corporate and public sectors.
She is the wife of Chief Adebayo Akande, chairman of Splash FM and the Agbaakin Olubadan of Ibadanland.
A two-time minister, Onikepo Akande has held several important positions in business and government. She became the first female Minister of Industry and has also served as President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
A graduate of Harvard Business School, she has remained an influential figure in Nigeria’s business community and is widely recognised for her professional experience.
Chief (Mrs.) Mutiat Olayinka Ladoja
Chief (Mrs.) Mutiat Olayinka Ladoja is the wife of former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
Apart from her activities as a businesswoman, she has also been involved in public and political affairs.
Her Idera De Foundation, established during her husband’s tenure as governor, became associated with charitable and community-oriented initiatives.
She is from the well-known Isale-Osi area of Ibadan.
Chief (Mrs.) Joko Oni
Chief (Mrs.) Joko Oni has established herself in both business and Ibadan’s social circles.
Her Gold Rush business became associated with her name, while her involvement in the textile and business community further strengthened her profile.
Known for her presence at major social events, Joko Oni has maintained strong relationships within Ibadan’s business and social communities.
She is married to insurance broker, Chief Kunle Oni.
Chief (Mrs.) Olanrewaju Otiti-Adedeji
Chief (Mrs.) Olanrewaju Otiti-Adedeji is one of the prominent businesswomen associated with Ibadan.
A businesswoman and politician, she has interests in the oil and gas sector and has built a profile through her business activities and social connections.
She also holds the traditional title of Laaguna Iyalode of Ibadanland.
Chief (Mrs.) Saratu Lam-Adesina
Chief (Mrs.) Saratu Lam-Adesina is the widow of the late former Oyo State Governor, Alhaji Lamidi Onaolapo Adesina, popularly known as “Great Lam.”
During her husband’s political career, she was known for her calm and reserved disposition and was regarded by many of those around the family as a mother figure.
She has also been involved in business and social activities in Ibadan.
Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Akinlabi-Arowolo
Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Akinlabi-Arowolo, popularly known as Fashad, is a prominent businesswoman in Ibadan.
She is associated with the textile business in Gbagi International Market, one of the major commercial centres in the city.
Beyond textiles, she has also developed interests in property and other business ventures, establishing a strong presence within Ibadan’s commercial community.
Ms. Funmi Omitowoju
Funmi Omitowoju has built a career across several sectors of Nigeria’s corporate environment.
Her professional experience has included banking, telecommunications and insurance, giving her exposure to different areas of the private sector.
Over the years, she has earned recognition within professional circles and has been described as one of the accomplished women with roots in Ibadan.
Ambassador Ibironke Adefowope
Ambassador Ibironke Adefowope comes from a prominent educational background in Ibadan.
She is the daughter of the late Mrs. Vaughan, founder of Omolewa Nursery and Primary School in the city.
Adefowope pursued a career in diplomacy and public service and served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Zambia and Malawi from 1999 to 2003.
Her career has also included activities promoting African social, cultural, economic and diplomatic interests.
Chief (Mrs.) Olajumoke Akinjide
Chief (Mrs.) Olajumoke Akinjide comes from one of Ibadan’s prominent families.
She is the daughter of the late Chief Richard Akinjide, a respected lawyer and former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of Nigeria.
Akinjide has a strong academic background and has been involved in politics and public affairs. She is also associated with the Akinjide family’s long-standing presence in Ibadan’s professional and political circles.
Princess Folashade Olufunke Bankole
Princess Folashade Olufunke Bankole is the daughter of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade.
She pursued a career in broadcasting and rose to the position of General Manager at the Nigerian Television Authority.
Her professional journey in the media sector has made her one of the notable women from a prominent Ibadan family.
Hon. Folake Olunloyo-Oshinowo
Hon. Folake Olunloyo-Oshinowo is a member of the influential Olunloyo family of Ibadan.
She is a niece of the late former Oyo State Governor, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, and has been involved in Nigerian politics.
She represented the Ibadan South-West/North-West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and built a profile within the political space.
She is married to Lagos socialite Tunde Oshinowo, popularly known as Teddyshine.
Dunni Olunloyo
Dunni Olunloyo is another member of the prominent Olunloyo family of Ibadan.
She has pursued a career in business and has been associated with the beauty industry, including the operation of a beauty business in Abuja.
Alhaja Taofikat
Alhaja Taofikat is a businesswoman known within Ibadan’s social and commercial circles.
She has interests in the textile business at Gbagi Market and has also ventured into hospitality.
Her establishment of a hotel in the Ikolaba GRA area of Ibadan further expanded her business interests and profile.
Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo
Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo is a journalist, media personality and social commentator from the prominent Olunloyo family.
She has worked in journalism and broadcasting and has developed an international profile through her media activities.
Her career has also extended to digital media and social commentary, where she has maintained a strong presence over the years.
Funke Olunloyo
Funke Olunloyo is the younger sister of Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo and a member of the prominent Olunloyo family.
She has been involved in politics and public service and previously served as a Special Adviser to former Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
Mrs. Olubukola Saliu-Adekunle
Mrs. Olubukola Saliu-Adekunle is the daughter of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji.
She is also known in the entertainment and social circles as the wife of Fuji musician Alhaji Sulaimon Alao Adekunle, popularly known as Malaika.
Her family background and marriage have given her a prominent place within Ibadan’s traditional and social circles.
Fatimoh Alao
Fatimoh Alao is the daughter of the late Ibadan business magnate, Alhaji Abdulazees Arisekola-Alao.
She has pursued a career in business and is based in Abuja, where she has developed her own professional and commercial interests.
As a member of the Arisekola-Alao family, she comes from one of Ibadan’s best-known business families.
Jelilat Folarin
Jelilat Folarin is the elder sister of Senator Teslim Kola Folarin, a prominent politician from Ibadan.
She has business interests in Nigeria and the United Kingdom and has maintained strong connections within Ibadan’s business and social communities.
Her activities have kept her connected to the city despite spending time between Nigeria and London.
Ibadan’s Women Of Influence
From traditional institutions and business to politics, diplomacy, media and entertainment, these women represent different generations and professional backgrounds.
Their stories also demonstrate the wide range of paths through which women connected to Ibadan have built public profiles and established careers.
For many of them, their journeys have extended beyond the city, with professional and business interests reaching other parts of Nigeria and, in some cases, the international community.
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