These returnees, bearing slave branding on their bodies, exposed Tinubu to the atrocities of slavery, prompting her to shift allegiance and support African resistance against European colonizers.
Her resistance involved supplying gunpowder and ammunition to Africans in the hinterland, ultimately leading to her expulsion from Lagos. Madam Tinubu's actions against European interests were likely viewed as a threat, resulting in her banishment to Badagry, where she lost two sons to malaria, and later Abeokuta, where she died in 1887.
The misrepresentation of Madam Tinubu's image can be attributed to Eurocentric historical narratives, written by European colonizers who often distorted African perspectives. This distortion stems from political agendas aiming to maintain Western dominance. Comparisons can be drawn between Madam Tinubu's situation and Haiti's, as both faced repercussions for challenging Western powers.
To reclaim accurate histories, African-led research and documentation are crucial. Decolonizing Africa's educational system and incorporating indigenous perspectives will help reconstruct authentic histories. Revisiting and reevaluating Madam Efunroye Tinubu's legacy is essential to promote a more accurate representation of Africa's past.
Anago-Osho
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