Overview

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'.

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9789789211791

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Reviews

'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

Author Information

Dr. Oladejo is a lecturer in the Department of History, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

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