Chief (Mrs.) Adenike Ebun Oyagbola (née Akinola) was a pioneering Nigerian politician and diplomat, best known as the country’s first female cabinet minister. Born on May 5, 1931, in Igan-Alade, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, she dedicated her life to public service, education, public infrastructural improvements and the empowerment of women. She passed away on February 28th, 2025. Her remarkable journey is inspirational and in alignment with the core values of WISCAR (Women in Successful Careers). This is a tribute to her legacy; of excellence in leadership, of role modelling, and of unrelenting advocacy for the inclusion of women in all spheres of public endeavour. Following are 10 things that you might not have known about this icon and distinguished Matriarch.
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Chief (Mrs.) Adenike Ebun Oyagbola
1. The Only Female Cabinet Minister in the Shagari Administration
We may all know that Chief Mrs Oyagbola shattered the glass ceiling when she became the first woman to attain a cabinet position in Nigeria. However, she was the only woman in President Shehu Shagari’s Cabinet, serving as Minister of National Planning from 1979 to 1983 and, in the process, paving the way for others and showing that women can thrive in male-dominated spaces.
2. She was first a Teacher – Before going into public service and politics, she was a passionate teacher and headmistress, shaping young minds in a number of towns in the then Egbado Division (now Yewa) and later in Mushin. She was an advocate of continuous learning and self-improvement. Her pursuit of training and knowledge, through formal education, mentorship, or informal classes empowered her to break new ground.
3. Her journey from the Classroom to Diplomacy – from teaching to civil service audit, and from ministerial (and departmental) responsibility to diplomacy, showed that she was flexible and versatile. The facility with which she approached her appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala in 2000 proved that she was never parochial. Her reading was eclectic, her thinking was adaptable, and she explored different industries and embraced the different opportunities that came her way.
4. A Woman of Many Firsts – She was not just the first female minister but also the first President of the International Delphic Council, reviving the ancient Greek Delphic Games. She focused on service, not just titles, and strived to leave lasting legacies.
5. She Made Numbers Look Good – Unlike many politicians with legal backgrounds, she studied Accounting in the UK before joining the Federal Civil Service in 1963.
6. A Cultural Icon – As first the Yeye-Oba of Ketu and then the Iyalode of Yewaland, she played a key role in preserving and promoting Yoruba cultural heritage. She stayed connected to her roots. Her cultural identity became a strong foundation for leadership and advocacy.
7. A Matriarch and a Mentor – She believed in empowering women and was an advocate for inclusivity long before it became a global conversation.
8. She Broke Barriers Paving a Path for the Next Generation – In a male-dominated era, she navigated leadership with grace, resilience, and quiet strength. She was a silent achiever; and her incredible works spoke out loud and announced her.
9. She Served with Ethics and Honour – Her tenure in government was marked by integrity, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and impact.
10. A Legacy that Lives On – Her work in nation-building, women’s leadership, and mentorship continues to inspire organizations like WISCAR. Fun Fact: Did you know that beyond her personal achievements, Chief (Mrs.) Adenike Ebun Oyagbola raised and directly influenced Mr. Adebayo Oyagbola, a Director at WISCAR, who is the spouse of WISCAR’s Founder and Chairperson, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola. Her leadership is generational and has set off a ripple effect that, to date, has extended to communities and future generations.
Conclusion
Chief (Mrs.) Adenike Ebun Oyagbola’s life was a testament to breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women leaders. Her dedication to education, public service, cultural preservation, and women’s empowerment resonates deeply with WISCAR’s mission to inspire and develop women to build a better nation. As we honour her memory, we are reminded of the profound impact one individual can have on society and the importance of continuing her legacy through our commitment to excellence and empowerment.
