To celebrate Nigeria’s Democracy Day, through our Learn with Civic Hive series, we hosted another edition of Active Citizens Hangout in collaboration with EiE Nigeria, where we gathered Active Citizens in Lagos to screened the Funmilayo Ransome Kuti Movie and hosted a panel session to discuss people’s power and participation in governance.

Bolanle Austen-Peters’ Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, written with delinquent craftsmanship by Tunde Babalola is a mix between history and storytelling. It is a biopic that not just dramatizes the life of a legendary woman as just the mother of the legendary Afrobeat singer, Fela Kuti, or the first Nigerian woman to drive a car but a tribute to the power of resilience and activism by Women. 

Funmilayo Ransome Kuti was not just a political activist but a symbol of resilience, strength, and the relentless pursuit of justice. As a civic tech organization dedicated to empowering communities and fostering societal change, we find her story deeply inspiring. For the lioness of Lisabi, her tool was her determination to effect change  and the support of the Egba Women!

Plot summary

The movie, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti doesn’t just seek to imitate Funmilayo’s biography but also captures her internal conflict as a woman and human fighting against oppression. The story captures three stages of her life (Teenage girl, middle aged and elderly woman) as depicted by Iyimide Aluko, Kehinde Bankole and Joke Silver respectively. 

The biopic begins after the Nigerian Police invaded Fela’s Kalakuta and pushed Elderly Funmilayo, a 77 years old woman off a two-storey building. The incident of her being molested is reported by media houses within and outside Nigeria and it captures the attention of a Spanish reporter who interviews her and the series of questions leads to a flash into her past. There, the story flows into the young Funmilayo, played by Iyimide Aluko.

Early Life

At the early stage of her life, Funmilayo is known as Frances Thomas who is inspired and groomed by her father, Chief Daniel Thomas, an agriculturist in Abeokuta and a son of a loose slave in Sierra Leone. Funmilayo’s father is the driving force of her growth as he encourages her to cross boundaries and insists that after topping her class for twelve years, she is to continue her secondary education at Abeokuta Grammar school (an all boys and only secondary school in Abeokuta). 

By saying “Where there is will, There is a way” and following suit with actions, Chief Daniel takes his daughter for registration at the school and Funmilayo becomes the first girl to attend Abeokuta Grammar School where despite being bullied and almost thrown into a well, she is saved by the head boy and later stands for herself when the teasing continued.

Her friendship with the Head boy Israel eventually blossoms into genuine love as they ‘correspond’ to each other. Later on, Israel is granted a scholarship to Sierra Leone and Funmilayo proceeds to England to continue her studies. Upon return from abroad, Israel and Funmilayo (now adults) reunite, marry and start a family. Funmilayo, regardless of her elite status, continues educating children while her husband becomes the Principal of their Alma Mater.  

Journey into Activism

One would think that the plot has reached a closed end at this part of the story ,rather the next scenes expose us to the intricate part of the biopic. Living a happily married life, Funmilayo’s life changes the day she meets Iya Supo, a market woman whose son stopped attending school all of a sudden. 

Being concerned, Funmilayo visited her at the market and witnessed the tax collectors (Parakoyi) beating and molesting the Market women. She immediately challenges them about their excessive taxes and stops them from causing more harm to the women. Funmilayo decides to follow up with the issue formally by writing to Alake (the traditional ruler) and visiting the District colonial officer (Dundee United). As All efforts to stop the oppressive practices were fruitless, Funmilayo created the Abeokuta Ladies’ Club, which evolved into the Abeokuta’s Women’s Union.

Lioness of Lisabi

Funmilayo, despite facing some challenges uniting the elite women with the market women, finally succeeded and with the women coming together as one, they revolted against high taxes and gender marginalization. Their protest led to the abdication of the Aláké of Ẹ̀gbá Land, ended taxation on women, and secured seats for women on the local council.

Funmilayo’s actions earned her the title “The Lioness of Lisabi.” Leaning back to the present, elderly Funmilayo (Joke silver) ended the film and Interview with “We won but I lost” as her loving supportive husband,  Israel  was diagnosed with cancer all through the protest but he never told her and finally  died.

She Lives On

Watching Funmilayo Ransome Kuti is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on society. Funmilayo’s dedication to civic participation, engagement, justice and equality resonates with the work we do here at Civic Hive.

Funmilayo’s  legacy is a call to action for all civic actors.  It charges us not to relent in our advocacy for a just society. Her ability to mobilize and inspire her community is particularly relevant in today’s digital age, where technology can amplify voices and foster greater civic participation.  It reminds us of the power of individual and collective action, and the crucial role community participation can play in advancing the causes of justice and equality.

It is no doubt that Bolanle Austen-Peters’ Funmilayo Ransome Kuti is more than just a film, it is a tribute to the enduring power of resilience and activism. 

As we continue to innovate and push the boundaries of civic tech, let us carry forward the spirit of Funmilayo Ransome Kuti. Let us strive to create a world where every voice is heard, and every citizen has the power to make a difference. Her story is a testament to the fact that when people come together, driven by a common cause, they can indeed change the world.

Are you passionate about participating in governance and you do not know how to go about it? Reach out to us, we will show you how!