Lifestyle
PHOTOS: Chief Alimotu Pelewura – Champion of Market Women
Chief Alimotu Pelewura (c. 1865–1951) was a courageous and influential leader who emerged from humble beginnings as a fish trader to become the foremost voice for women’s rights and commerce in Lagos.
Early Life and Rise to Leadership
Born into a polygynous Awori family in Lagos, Pelewura learned fish trading from her mother and eventually became a pivotal figure in the city’s marketplace. In 1910, she was honoured with a chieftaincy title by Oba Eshugbayi Eleko. By the 1920s, with support from the nationalist Herbert Macaulay, she co-founded and led the Lagos Market Women’s Association (LMWA), serving as its president until her death .
Defending Market Women’s Rights
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Chief Pelewura led relentless campaigns against oppressive colonial policies:
In 1932, she organized mass protests against the proposed taxation of women. Her leadership earned her a seat on the Oba’s advisory Ilu Committee .
She also spearheaded resistance to the relocation of the Ereko market, even facing brief arrest for physically blocking the move .
During World War II, she opposed colonial price control schemes and rallied market women to support striking workers by lowering their prices .
Political Alliances and Legacy
Pelewura was not just a market leader but also a political figure. She aligned with Herbert Macaulay and held positions in parties such as the Nigerian Union of Young Democrats, the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), and the Nigerian Women’s Party. In 1947, she was bestowed the title of Erelu, recognizing her advocacy for women .
Chief Pelewura passed away in 1951 and was succeeded by Abibatu Mogaji, who continued her legacy of market women’s empowerment . Today, Peluwura’s influence remains a powerful symbol of grassroots activism and feminist leadership in Nigerian history.
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