Benedicta A. Madunagu, a towering figure in Nigeria’s human rights and feminist movements, known affectionately as “Bene” to countless activists and admirers, has passed away peacefully at her residence in Calabar. Her death in the early hours of Tuesday marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s struggle for social justice and gender equality.
The news of her passing was announced by Biodun Jeyifo, Chair of the Board of Advisers and Trustees of SOLAR, who spoke on behalf of the family. Jeyifo’s announcement, while formal in nature, carried the weight of personal loss, reflecting the deep impact Madunagu had on those who worked alongside her in Nigeria’s progressive movements.
Throughout her 77 years, Madunagu established herself as a formidable voice in Nigeria’s civil society, dedicating her life to the pursuit of equality, justice, and human dignity. Her work transcended conventional activism, combining grassroots organizing with intellectual rigor to address fundamental issues of social justice and gender equality in Nigerian society.
The term “Comrade,” often attached to her name, was more than just a title – it represented her lifelong commitment to solidarity with marginalized groups and her unwavering dedication to collective struggle. Her approach to activism was characterized by a deep understanding of the interconnected nature of various forms of oppression, leading her to advocate for comprehensive social transformation rather than piecemeal reforms.
As a member of the Nigerian Left, Madunagu’s contributions went beyond traditional political activism. She was instrumental in developing frameworks for understanding and addressing gender inequality in Nigeria, often challenging both conservative social norms and the limitations of conventional leftist thinking on gender issues.
Her passing at her Calabar residence, described as peaceful by family representatives, provides a moment of reflection on the evolution of Nigeria’s human rights movement and the role of dedicated individuals in shaping social change. The Madunagu residence in Calabar had long served as more than just a home – it was a gathering point for activists, a space for strategic planning, and a symbol of sustained commitment to social justice.
The announcement of her death, while brief, has triggered an outpouring of tributes from across Nigeria’s civil society landscape. Activists, scholars, and human rights defenders have begun sharing stories of Madunagu’s influence on their work and her role in shaping Nigeria’s human rights discourse.
Her death comes at a critical time in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle for social justice and equality. The issues she championed – from gender equality to economic justice – remain at the forefront of national discourse, making her loss particularly poignant for those continuing these struggles.
As the Nigerian Left and the broader human rights community prepare to bid farewell to one of their most respected figures, there is a growing recognition of the need to preserve and build upon Madunagu’s legacy. Her approach to activism, which combined theoretical understanding with practical action, offers valuable lessons for current and future generations of activists.
While the family has indicated that further details about burial arrangements will be announced later, the immediate focus has been on celebrating Madunagu’s life and achievements. The universal and affectionate use of her nickname “Bene” speaks to her ability to combine professional respect with personal warmth, a quality that made her particularly effective in building coalitions and nurturing new generations of activists.
The profound sense of loss expressed by Jeyifo in the announcement is tempered by an equally profound celebration of Madunagu’s life and achievements, reflecting the complex emotions felt by many who knew her. Her passing represents not just the loss of a veteran activist but the end of a chapter in Nigeria’s struggle for social justice.
As Nigeria’s civil society continues to grapple with many of the issues Madunagu championed, her death serves as both a reminder of how far the movement has come and how much work remains to be done. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of activists and human rights defenders in Nigeria and beyond.
