Renowned historian, Tayo Agunbiade, passes away

The renowned social historian and advocate for women’s history, passes away, leaving a legacy of uncovering forgotten narratives

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]ayo Agunbiade, a distinguished journalist and social historian, has passed away in the early hours of today, leaving behind a legacy of historical scholarship and advocacy for women’s rights.

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Known for her relentless pursuit of forgotten narratives, Agunbiade’s work transcended traditional historical research, making her a pivotal figure in unearthing untold stories that have shaped Nigerian and West African history.

Agunbiade’s academic foundation was built at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, where she studied history, followed by a degree in Women’s Development Studies from the University of East London.

Her career as a historian was marked by her passion for exploring the lives of women, especially those overshadowed by the passage of time.

She authored numerous articles on women’s history and became an Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, further cementing her place in the field of historical research.

Her intellectual journey took her through the archives of Nigeria’s National Archives, the British Library, and the Bodleian Library, where she uncovered stories hidden within historical records.

Her meticulous research redefined our understanding of events, particularly those relating to the political landscape, parliamentary affairs, and the impacts of World Wars I and II on West Africa.

One of her notable contributions was her gender analysis within electoral politics, legislatures, and governance in Nigeria.

Her research not only highlighted the contributions of women in history but also reinforced the ongoing fight for gender equality.

Agunbiade’s dedication to women’s empowerment made her a formidable advocate for women’s rights in both historical and contemporary contexts.

She actively participated in international conferences, where she shared her discoveries with a global audience.

Some of her most prominent presentations included “Three Voices from West Africa (1942/43)” at the Women’s History Network’s annual conference in 2022 and “West African Women during the Great War” at the Great War in Africa Association in London in 2023.

These presentations allowed her to bring attention to the often-overlooked contributions of West African women during pivotal moments in history.

Her current project, which she was deeply immersed in before her passing, focused on women’s literary writings and public accomplishments in West Africa during the British colonial era.

This work promised to offer fresh insights into the roles of women during this period, adding depth to the historical understanding of West African society.

Throughout her career, Agunbiade’s affiliations with prestigious organisations such as the Royal Africa Society, the Women’s History Network, and the Historical Writers Association highlighted her commitment to fostering a global conversation about history.

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Her contributions extended beyond academic circles, touching the lives of those inspired by her advocacy for women’s voices in history.