Writer and researcher Lanaire Aderemi delves into a lesser-known yet profoundly impactful event in Nigerian history—the Egba Women’s Revolt. This documentary, born from a story Aderemi’s grandmother shared with her a decade ago, takes us on a journey back to the 1940s, when women in Abeokuta, southwestern Nigeria, mobilized against colonial taxation. Their resistance would ultimately reshape their community and stands as one of the most important acts of defiance in Nigeria's anti-colonial history. Yet, until now, this story has largely remained under the radar.
Driven by her deep connection to this history and a commitment to preserving untold stories, Aderemi’s Record Found Here combines archival documents, interviews with local historians, and testimonies from the descendants of those involved. Through her eyes, viewers are given a chance to rediscover the courage and solidarity of the women who stood up against an oppressive system.
But why, after all these years, does this revolt matter so much? For Aderemi, the erasure of women’s contributions from historical records and public consciousness is a frustrating reality, one that she seeks to remedy. "I was in awe of the brilliance and boldness of these women," she shares, recalling her decision to focus on the Egba Women’s Revolt. "I hadn't watched any film that had captured their story. The erasure of this event from our education and imaginations frustrated me. This victory, this achievement of women gathering as a collective to overthrow an oppressive colonial tax system, was worth documenting urgently and wonderfully."
The revolt was spearheaded by the Abeokuta Women’s Union, led by the legendary activist Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. While Ransome-Kuti often receives credit for her role, the movement was a collective effort of thousands of market women who, through organized protests, demanded their rights. They were strategic, powerful, and ultimately successful. However, the story of these women’s success had, until now, largely faded into the background.
Aderemi’s documentary aims to change that. Through her meticulous research, she uncovered vital documents at the National Archives in Abeokuta, including minutes, letters, and newspaper clippings that helped her reconstruct the events leading up to the revolt. “I didn’t know there were institutions in Nigeria that held records of our past,” Aderemi reflects, emphasizing how the discovery of these documents was a significant moment in her journey. This treasure trove of information not only adds depth to her documentary but also highlights the importance of preserving history in all its forms. “Preserving history is important,” she says. “An understanding of history allows us to make better sense of our present and chart better futures.”
One of the most compelling aspects of Record Found Here is how it parallels the past with the present. Aderemi has long been fascinated by the relationship between historical movements and contemporary activism, particularly women’s roles in both. The film speaks directly to current issues, as Aderemi notes, highlighting how Nigerian women continue to organize and lead social movements today, from #EndSARS to the Feminist Coalition’s efforts. "There are easy parallels between the communal spirit of contemporary movements and that of the Egba Women’s Revolt," Aderemi explains, underscoring the enduring legacy of women’s collective resistance.
The documentary’s relevance is further underscored by its release in close proximity to the Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti biopic, which premiered recently on Prime Video. Taken together, these films provide a more nuanced understanding of a movement that transformed Abeokuta and beyond. While Ransome-Kuti’s biopic expands on her life as an activist, Record Found Here shines a spotlight on the collective power of the women involved in the revolt, offering an essential point of reference for future generations of activists.
In Record Found Here, Aderemi offers more than just a historical recount; she weaves a story that is deeply personal and profoundly universal. The documentary invites us to reflect on the power of unity, the importance of preserving history, and the critical role women play in shaping society.
If you’re intrigued by the story of these remarkable women and want to experience this history firsthand, join us at the upcoming screening of Record Found Here on September 13th.
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