30 years after Suliat Adedeji’s killing, family decries poor women representation

Left to right: Ademola Adedeji; Akeem Adedeji and Wasiu Adedeji (children) during the press conference in Ibadan. Photo: Ademola Adegbite.

The family of late prominent Ibadan businesswoman, philanthropist and grassroots political activist, Alhaja Suliat Adedeji, has lamented the poor representation of women in Nigeria’s governance, saying the country still has considerable ground to cover in promoting women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.

The family made the observation on Saturday during a press conference to mark the 30th remembrance anniversary and Special Fidau Prayer for the late activist, held at Ring Road, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The PUNCH reports that Adedeji, who was born in 1944, was assassinated on November 14, 1996, in Ibadan, the state capital.

She was a prominent businesswoman, philanthropist and grassroots political activist who became one of the high-profile civilian casualties of Nigeria’s military dictatorship under the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.

Her assassination remains a defining symbol of the repression faced by pro-democracy advocates following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by the late business mogul, Chief Moshood Abiola.

Addressing journalists, her son, Akeem Adedeji, said, “Our mother, Alhaja Suliat Adedeji, was passionate about women’s advancement and consistently supported people seeking education, career opportunities and professional growth.

“Is there enough representation in Nigerian government policies and other areas? No, there is still a lot of work to be done.

“Her contributions to the development of others extended beyond her public engagements. Many people benefited from her assistance, recommendations and personal connections.”

He added that her achievements had made her a role model for younger women, particularly at a time when opportunities for women in business and public life were limited.

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Another son, Ademola Adedeji, said the family had continued to uphold their mother’s Islamic values through religious programmes, support for Muslims undertaking Hajj and Umrah, and the religious education of younger family members.

He said the family remained committed to preserving her religious legacy, adding that their participation in Islamic activities and support for pilgrims were among the ways they continued to honour her values.

Also speaking, Wasiu Adedeji said his mother was born in 1944, trained as a nurse and later became a major automobile dealer after retiring from public service in 1987.

He said, “She was able to establish herself in the automobile business at a time when the industry was largely dominated by men.”

Wasiu recalled that she accompanied Muslim pilgrims from the former Western State to Mecca in the 1970s, providing medical support during the journey.

“She did not limit her contribution to business; she also served the public and supported people who needed help,” he added.

He said she also served as chairman of the Nigerian Television Authority, Zone A, between 1980 and 1983, held positions in financial institutions and was a patron of the National Association of Women Journalists.

Adedeji was also the Iya Adinni of Oyo State and Iya Loja of Ibadanland. She supported humanitarian institutions, including the Ibadan Rehabilitation Centre, a motherless babies’ home and a school for children with hearing and speech impairments.