Oyin Abayomi

**Oyinkansola, Lady Abayomi (1897–1990): Feminist, Educator, and Nationalist** Oyinkansola, Lady Abayomi, born Oyinkansola Ajasa on March 6, 1897, in Lagos, Nigeria (then Lagos Colony), was a pioneering Nigerian feminist, educator, and nationalist. She is remembered as a pivotal figure in the development of women's education and political activism in 20th-century Nigeria. **Early Life and Education** Oyinkansola Ajasa was born into an elite family; her father was Sir Kitoye Ajasa, a prominent Nigerian lawyer and politician. She was often referred to by the shortened name "Oyinkan" by her family. She received her early education at the Anglican Girls’ Seminary School in Lagos, graduating in 1909. She then continued her studies in England, attending the Young Ladies Academy at Ryford Hall in Gloucestershire. In 1917, she enrolled at the Royal Academy of Music in London to study music. She returned to Lagos in 1920, beginning her career as a music teacher at the Anglican Girls' Seminary. **Career Progression and Advocacy** Upon returning to Nigeria, Abayomi became acutely aware of the disparity in educational opportunities between men and women. She dedicated herself to women's education, founding the West African Educated Girls' Club. Through this organization, she campaigned and successfully raised funds for Queen's College, Yaba, which opened in Lagos in 1927. She was one of the school’s founding staff members and the only Nigerian teacher at the time. In 1931, she became the Chief Commissioner for the Nigerian Girl Guides Association, becoming the first native Nigerian woman to head the organization. Later, in 1935, she joined the Nigerian Youth Movement. In a major political step, she founded the Nigerian Women's Party (NWP) on May 10, 1944, dedicated to achieving equal rights for women in Nigeria. **Personal Life and Honours** Oyinkansola married two prominent individuals during her lifetime. Her first marriage was in 1923 to lawyer Moronfolu Abayomi, who was tragically killed two months later. In 1930, she married Dr. Kofoworola (Kofo) Abayomi. When Kofo was knighted by the Queen in 1954, Oyinkansola became officially known as Lady Abayomi. She was honored with five Nigerian chieftaincy titles, including the Iya Abiye of Egbaland, in recognition of her tireless work for the nation and its women. **Later Life and Legacy** Lady Abayomi retired from the Nigerian Girl Guides in 1982 and was honored with the title of Life President for her decades of service. She is recognized for establishing key organizations that provided leadership opportunities for women and advocated for their political and social inclusion. Oyinkansola, Lady Abayomi, died in Lagos, Nigeria, on March 19, 1990, at the age of 93, leaving behind a profound legacy as a champion of Nigerian women's rights and education.