Lifestyle
Tai Solarin: Pioneer of Non-Religious Education in Nigeria
Taiwo “Tai” Solarin (1922–1994) was a bold Nigerian educator and social critic who revolutionized education by founding Nigeria’s first non-religious school, the Mayflower School in Ikenne, Ogun State, in 1952. Born alongside his twin sister in Ikenne-Remo, Tai’s passion for free thought and discipline shaped his lifelong mission.
After serving in the British Royal Air Force during World War II, he pursued higher education in the UK, studying History, Geography, and education. Returning to Nigeria, he championed an education system free from religious influence, first as principal of Molusi College and then through Mayflower School, which emphasized self-reliance and hard work.
His legacy lives on through institutions bearing his name, including Tai Solarin University of Education, and his powerful tombstone inscription: “Here lies Tai Solarin, who lived and died for humanity.” A true pioneer who challenged norms and inspired generations.
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The Alara of Aramoko Ekiti, Ekiti State, Oba Olu Adegoke Adeyemi, is dead.
The monarch, according to a statement on Saturday by his family, died on Friday at the age of 82.
In the release, the family praised his “remarkable leadership, wisdom, and dedication to the welfare of his people.”
The statement read, “Oba Adeyemi’s impact on the community will forever be cherished as testament to his enduring legacies.”
The late monarch, born December 4, 1942, was a teacher, senior civil servant, and Sole Administrator of the former Ifesowapo Local Government before ascending the throne in 2009.
He also served as Chancellor of Ekiti State University, where, the family said, “he supported initiatives to enhance educational standards and access for local students.”
“As the Alara of Aramoko Ekiti, he provided strong leadership that fostered community cohesion and development,” the statement noted, adding that his reign advanced “community development, cultural preservation, conflict resolution, and youth empowerment.”
Funeral details will be announced later, the statement concluded.
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The General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has declared that only God will decide his successor at the right time.
Kumuyi warned that he would reject any member who attempts to pressure him into picking a successor, stressing that he can’t be controlled even by his wife.
Speaking during a Bible study programme, the 83-year-old church leader declared that nobody can push him out of office.
He said: “The brother who taught the other Tuesday kept saying there is no leadership without a successor.
“He said it twice. I felt that was too much, more so since your father is still here. God will give a successor at His own time.
“You are not going to fight your shepherd, your pilot. I reject any member of the church, whether you are a worker, choir member, or security person, who tries to control me.
“I won’t even take that from my wife because I am the head of the home… I stand where I stand and nobody will put me under pressure.
“If God gives you a pastor that is still very active at this age, with a good voice running everywhere to preach the gospel, and you are asking for a successor, it makes me think you are tired of seeing me around. You don’t want to make me feel I’m imposing myself on you.
“When the time comes, God will choose a man after His own heart. Don’t try to drive me away, even though I know you cannot.”
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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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