Strategies of Spatial Politics: Yorùbá Market Women and Political Activisms across Time

Abstract

This paper examines the role of Yorùbá market women in political activism in Nigeria. Historically recognised as influential economic and cultural actors, Yorùbá market women have long shaped political discourse and advocated for community welfare. Their activism spans from pre-colonial councils to post-colonial rallies, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in confronting political and social challenges. Beyond commerce, marketplaces have functioned as critical spaces for political mobilisation, enabling women to challenge power structures and influence policy decisions. Employing historical and qualitative methods, the paper analyses the ways in which Yorùbá market women transitioned into political activism and the impact of their contributions on Nigeria’s political landscape. It further addresses the declining participation of market women in contemporary politics, interrogating its causes and consequences. The paper argues that this decline risks silencing grassroots voices and concludes by proposing strategies to revitalise Yorùbá market women’s political agency.