Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti were two giants of Nigerian history. Odutola, also known as “Ogbeni Oja,” was a pioneering industrialist, politician, and philanthropist who played a significant role in Nigeria’s economic development. Born in 1902 in Ijebu-Ode, Odutola was a trailblazer in Nigerian industry and commerce, establishing various factories across the country.

On the other hand, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was a formidable activist and feminist, dubbed the “Lioness of Lisabi.” Born in 1900, Ransome-Kuti was a leading advocate for women’s rights and education, fighting tirelessly for social justice and equality. She founded the Abeokuta Women’s Union, which later became a branch of the Nigerian Women’s Union, and played a key role in the country’s independence movement.

The vintage photo of these two titans, taken at Odutola’s palatial home, ‘Onibudo House,’ in Ijebu-Ode during the 1970s, embodies a powerful era of Nigerian history. Their legacies continue to inspire generations, marking a significant chapter in Nigeria’s rich history.