Awe-Inspiring
Watching Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a 2024 film about one of Nigeria’s most influential figures, was a riveting experience—especially when shared with family. When I wrote about Conclave and promised to see Funmilayo and write about it, I didn’t know I’d be writing on my wife’s birthday. By coincidence, I’m completing this article after reading about the life of Susanne Wenger.
Like my viewing of Conclave, watching Funmilayo (still on my laptop) reinforced that movies are best enjoyed in good company, which helps me stay fully engaged (though some side talks can be annoying). This film, however, didn’t need much help; its storytelling was powerful, the performances were magnetic, and the legacy of its protagonist was awe-inspiring.
As I rewrite my reflections on Funmilayo’s story, my thoughts wander to another extraordinary woman deeply connected to Nigerian history: Susanne Wenger, and –since I’m doing this on her birthday– my thoughts reflect on my wife Oluwakemi (‘Kemi) Okenyodo, whom I wrote about last year on the same occasion. Although their paths and pursuits differed, the deceased women left indelible marks on Nigeria, and, like them, ‘Kemi is challenging societal norms and dedicating her life to causes greater than herself.
Funmilayo, Activism and Defiance
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti’s story is one of unmatched courage. From being the first female student at Abeokuta Grammar School to her tireless activism against colonial rule and patriarchy, she was a trailblazer. The film, directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, captures her evolution—from a curious schoolgirl to a formidable matriarch who reshaped the role of women in Nigerian society. In the movie, an elderly Funmilayo played by veteran Joke Silva, was narrating her lifestory to a foreign female journalist.
The Abeokuta Women’s Union, which the younger Funmilayo co-founded, was a revolutionary force, advocating for women’s rights and standing up to oppressive systems. Watching her orchestrate these movements on screen, especially in the conservative context of her time, was inspiring. Today, some of her battles may seem commonplace—like advocating for gender equality—but her courage made them possible.
Her personal sacrifices, including the chilling portrayal of her alleged defenestration during the search for her son, Fela Kuti, highlight the cost of her resistance. It reminds one of social progress often coming at a steep price, borne by those brave enough to challenge the status quo.
Àdùnní Olórìṣà and ‘Kemi Okenyodo’s Different Kind of Revolution
While Funmilayo’s activism was political and social, the impact Susanne Wenger (fondly known as Àdùnní Olórìṣà) had was spiritual and cultural, while ‘Kemi’s is also that of playing in a male-dominated security and justice space. An Austrian artist who came to Nigeria in the mid-20th century, Wenger immersed herself in Yoruba culture and religion, ultimately becoming a priestess of the Osun deity. Her dedication to preserving Yoruba traditions, particularly through her work in the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, earned her reverence and a place in Nigeria’s cultural history.
Wenger’s approach was unconventional for a foreigner in a postcolonial context. Rather than impose her views or assimilate superficially, she collaborated with local communities to revive and preserve indigenous art forms and religious practices. Her sculptures and artworks, which adorn the Sacred Grove, are a testament to her respect for and integration into Yoruba spirituality. I visited the grove many years ago, perhaps a few months before she died on 12 January 2009.
In many senses, ‘Kemi is like the woman affectionately referred to as Adunni Olorisa. Last year, I wrote:
With over two decades of invaluable experience, ‘Kemi’s contributions in the realms of police accountability, inclusive governance, and citizens’ engagement with security institutions have been groundbreaking. Her expertise has not only fostered a safer environment but has also championed the rights of individuals, particularly young women, elevating their voices and ensuring their inclusion in pivotal dialogues.
Forgetting Sheroes
Some people achieve a lot behind the scenes (especially women who are written into the English language as “behind every successful man”), and there is a tendency for society—especially our society that’s rich in collective amnesia—to forget their contributions. ‘Kemi’s self-effacing demeanour makes her one of those whose contributions are at risk of being glossed over. Whether it is her work as a member of the Governing Council of the Nigerian National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), or across West African security and justice sectors, building and strengthening systems at subnational levels, hers is to be at the tables and in communities at the most expected times and building consensus on difficult issues. She leads all-female teams in her organisation and leads a gender programme that’s building the leadership capacities of female police officers.
Though their causes differed, these women’s lives are characterised by extraordinary courage and conviction. Funmilayo challenged colonial powers and patriarchy head-on, while Wenger defied Western norms and expectations to embrace a culture and religion often misunderstood by outsiders. Both women also faced criticism. Funmilayo’s activism put her in direct conflict with colonial authorities and traditional leaders, while Wenger’s immersion in Yoruba spirituality drew skepticism from both Nigerians and Europeans. Yet, neither wavered in their commitment to their beliefs.
Their legacies are still felt today—Funmilayo’s in the fight for gender equality and social justice (a field that ‘Kemi works significantly in), and Wenger’s in the preservation of Yoruba heritage and the global recognition of Osun-Osogbo as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A Cinematic Triumph
The brilliance of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti as a movie lies in its ability to bring history to life. With stellar performances by Iyimide Ayo-Olumoko, Kehinde Bankole, and Joke Silva, the film captures the essence of Funmilayo’s journey. The cinematography, direction, and score create a vivid portrayal of mid-20th-century Abeokuta, making her struggles and triumphs feel immediate and relatable.
Watching this film, I couldn’t help but think about how young Nigerians today view their role in society. Funmilayo’s story, like Wenger’s, is a reminder that change begins with individuals who refuse to conform to unjust systems. It challenges us to look beyond “japa” (emigration) as the only solution and to consider how we can contribute to building a better Nigeria. Kemi is a contemporary example for young people who think that the only option is to “vote with their feet” (a euphemism for running away from the country). The bleakness faced in Nigeria is evidence that there is a lot to be done but the labourers are few.
Purpose, Courage, and Impact
The lives of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Susanne Wenger, and ‘Kemi Okenyodo, though different in their pursuits, exemplify purpose, courage, and impact. I believe that making a difference often requires stepping out of comfort zones and challenging societal norms, and these are great illustrations of this belief.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti is more than a movie—it’s a call to action for young Nigerians to embrace the spirit of activism and resilience. A figure like Wenger reminds us of the importance of preserving culture and heritage as integral parts of societal progress. And ‘Kemi shows that impact is available to be made from any time, space and social stratum.
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