Teacher, school proprietor, feminist and politician.
She was the first Nigerian female Senator and member of the National Assembly.
She was nominated a senator from Ibadan-West and served 1960-65.
She was a daughter of Chief Thomas Adeogun Ojo (aka Ojo’badan), the Ekerin of Ibadan and Chief Manager of Ibadan Forest Reserves.
She was married to a lawyer, Chief V.O.Esan, with 4 children; Chief Olubunmi Esan, Chief Yetunde Omisade, Prof Jadesola Akande & Mr Toyin Ojo.
Her daughter Prof. Jadesola Akande was Nigeria’s first female Law Professor and first female Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University(LASU).
Mrs. Esan was a member of the women’s wing of the Action Group in the 1950s.
She was also a founding member of the National Council of Women Societies NCWS.
In 1975, she became the Iyalode of Ibadan, the highest ranking female high chief in Ibadan.
P/S:
The Beautician/Hairdresser late Senator Franca Afegbua was the first elected Senator in Nigeria, serving in the 2nd Republic 1979- 83. Mrs Esan was by appointment/nomination. The then constitution made provision for 12 such seats nationwide.
Source: Bimbola Babarinde & Jumoke Ojo, NNP and other public sources.