Publisher: BookBuilders Editions Africa, Nigeria
The Women Went Radical
Petition Writing and Colonial State in Southwestern Nigeria, 1900-1953
Woman in twentieth century colonial Africa experienced a loss of power in their social-economic status. The Women Went Radical
provides a narrative of radical expressions extracted from the numerous
petitions written to advance and advocate the cause of Yoruba women
through individual and collective action. This analyses the impact and
implication of petition writing on the administration of traditional and
modern governments in colonial Yorubaland. The political context
accurately projects the roles of women in influencing, resisting,
negotiating and counteracting policies within the political system. The
research argues that petition writing is a form of politics and
radicalism that is not limited to national issues but also to their
manifestation from the actions of the citizens—that is ‘politics from
the grassroots’.
£29.00
About the author
Dr. Oladejo is a lecturer in the Department of History, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Review
‘In this highly absorbing work, Mutiat Oladejo has convincingly
demonstrated a superb analysis of women’s roles and ingenuity in the
creation of modern Nigeria. The veins of research that coalesced into
this volume will make it an essential point of reference for the role of
women in Nigeria’s colonial history.’
Olutayo C. Adesina, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
‘Scholars of Africa have highlighted the significance of petitions in
the African colonial encounter and literary culture. However, the
largest chunk of existing work focuses on men. In this truly fascinating
work, Oladejo corrects this oversight, turning her searchlight on the
petition letters of women of southwestern Nigeria. Rigorously researched
and beautifully written, The Women Went Radical gives the
deserved exposure to the hidden voice of women who registered their
displeasure for colonial policy in their letters. From political and
social to economic and cultural dynamics, Oladejo’s book charts a new
course in African women and gender studies.’
Saheed Aderinto, Western Carolina University ,USA