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ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle MFR, on behalf of the Yewa Traditional Council, the Council of Yewa Titled Chiefs, and the people of Yewaland, has announced the death of the Iyalode of Yewaland and former Minister of National Planning, Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs.) Ebun Akinola Oyagbola.
Chief (Mrs.) Oyagbola, who died on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the age of 94 was a pioneering politician and diplomat.
She made history as Nigeria’s first female minister of cabinet rank under the Shagari Administration.
Chief (Mrs.) Oyagbola also served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States of Mexico, overseeing diplomatic relations with Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala.
In a statement from his palace in Ilaro-Yewa, and shared with StarTrend Int’l magazine and online platforms, Oba Olugbenle described Chief Oyagbola’s death as a “monumental loss to Yewaland and Nigeria at large.”
The first-class monarch praised her as a frontline politician and astute diplomat who left an indelible mark on the Second Republic’s political landscape.
Oba Olugbenle acknowledged Chief Oyagbola’s immense contributions to the socioeconomic development of Yewaland.
Among her many achievements, she played a significant role in the construction of the Obele-Ilaro-Papalanto-Sagamu Road, a vital infrastructure project for the region.
Expressing his deepest condolences, the monarch extended prayers for strength and comfort to Chief Oyagbola’s family, the people of Yewaland, Ogun State, and Nigeria as a whole.
A life of breaking barriers, Chief (Mrs.) Oyagbola was born in 1932 at Igan Alade, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Her life was defined by groundbreaking achievements and a steadfast commitment to public service.
In 1979, she shattered barriers by becoming Nigeria’s first female cabinet minister when President Shehu Shagari appointed her as Minister of National Planning.
Following her tenure as a minister, Chief (Mrs.) Oyagbola continued to serve Nigeria with distinction as the country’s Ambassador to Mexico, with concurrent accreditation to Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala.
Her diplomatic efforts strengthened Nigeria’s international relations and showcased her unwavering dedication to national service.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions to Yewaland and beyond, Oba Olugbenle conferred upon her the title of the first Iyalode of Yewaland in 2021, a testament to her esteemed leadership and impact within her community.
She also served as the President of the Nigerian Chapter of Attitudinal Healing International, further demonstrating her commitment to societal development.
Chief (Mrs.) Oyagbola’s legacy is one of pioneering leadership, resilience, and dedication. Her remarkable career and commitment to breaking barriers for women in Nigeria will continue to inspire generations to come.
