Tribute to Edwin Madunagu’s twin

Twins are not only adorable for their unique identification, connection and characteristics. They are indeed cherished for being rare bred of special individuals as they are usually bonded in every way and manner of their lives. However, this bond is seen as extraordinary when the individuals so referred in the headline of this article are not born as twins but lived their life as if they were one. In life however, most people are not born as twin but in the course of their earthly journey, they encounter the other self either in friendship, school, church or marriage.

Of course, they may not be identical in nature being one of the signatures in which society examines those born as twins. But, the Madunagu Twins connection goes beyond mere facial identification. One rather finds their uniqueness in character, conduct, discipline, humanist nature, patriotism, revolutionary activism among others.

The Madunagu twins crossed each other’s path way back in 1973 at the University of Lagos. While one was a graduate student of Botany, (Female), the other was a graduate student of Mathematics, (Male). By providence or as God will have it, both resided on campus and their hostel and faculty were closely located. This proximity is where the connecting build-up started. I will refer to this development as ‘love through the window sight.’ I shall return to this.

At the most concrete level, the Madunagu’s twins ineradicable revolutionary consciousness and transformation took shape on campus at the University of Lagos. They joined several campus unions and non-campus Left groups and activities of these radical groups led to comrade Edwin Madunagu first detention in January 1975.

In his salute to Bene Madunagu at 70, Comrade Edwin Madunagu hinted on the love and radical revolutionary chemistry between them took shape. He wrote, “….The hostel where I resided and the hostel Bene resided and the Faculty of Science where both Bene and I were students were closely located as if it was by design of history. As if also by design, Benedicta’s path from her hostel to her laboratory in the faculty passed in front of my window in the male hostel….. I took note of her going and coming whenever I could. My friends knew this and help me to take note whenever I was unable to do so… Benedicta was unaware of this observation, which was the first impression she made to me”. Of course, a lot transpired and between 1973 and 1976 the ‘love through the window sight’ had developed rapidly and they had become friends, comrade and husband and wife and the revolutionary bond between them grew even stronger thereafter.

Notwithstanding this very strong inseparable bond and affection shared and maintained by Professor (Mrs) Benedicta Madunagu and Comrade Edwin Madunagu, as socialist revolutionary and Marxist as well as husband and wife, there came an eclipse of the sun one faithful sunny day.

On this sad and unforgettable day, Tuesday, November 26, 2024 in the afternoon, Mumsy B, as she was fondly called breathed her last with comrade Edwin Madunagu sitting beside her as she lied on her sick-bed. It is clear Bene will be missed but her intellectual stature was no less remarkable.

Her long stay in the University of Calabar community where she lectured provided Mumsy B an opportunity to set a worthy example, marked by hardwork, selflessness and commitment. She was a humanitarian and an activist for the worthy causes that she believed in, and she put her means where her heart was. She played a formidable role in conscientising the girl-child by strongly advocating for gender equality and women’s right.

Again, it is important to note that Mumsy B was an exceptional Nigerian woman who championed the struggle for women in different fronts. She remained a humanist in the original sense of the word, her love for mankind and especially her concern for her gender, translated into activism in the social sphere. Through her words and deeds she transformed the lives of thousands of girls in Nigeria and has remained an inspiration to millions of girls and women throughout Africa and the world.

Despite being introduced into revolutionary movement as well as being the wife of Edwin Madunagu, Mumsy B truly came into her own self both as a lecturer, activist or socialist revolutionary. Standing tall like a colossus, shines like the northern star and with her outstanding life she drew attention to the plight of women not only in Nigeria but globally.

In his tribute to Mumsy B at 60, on March 21, 2007, Professor Biodun Jeyifo (BJ) wrote: “If it is undeniable that part of the identity of Bene Madunagu derives from the fact that she is the wife of Eddie Madunagu, it is equally true that Bene stands so completely on her own shoes and in so many diverse areas of life that one can equally say that Eddie Madunagu derives part of his identity from being the husband of Bene.”

Indeed, Bene was a role model and mother-figure to generations of younger women who drew inspiration from her dedication in the struggle for gender equality and women’s right. She was a woman whose hat is dotted with many revolutionary feathers. In 1988-1990 Mumsy B was chair of the Academic Staff Union of University of Calabar for three term tenure, was Chair, Executive Board, Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI) Nigeria, member, Nigerian Youth Action Committee (NYAC) (1973) Society for Progress (SOPRO) (1974) Anti-Poverty Movement of Nigeria (APMON) (1974), Revolutionary Movement for the Liberation of Nigeria (REMLON) 1976 among others.

A lot was made, of course, of Mumsy B the revolutionary activist, the bundle of humour, warmth and kindness. As comrade Edwin Madunagu righty noted in his 2017 salute to Mumsy B at 70 that, “…three integral attributes of the relationship between Bene and myself: compatibility, complementarily and love. The first two attributes are necessary- and indeed, irreducible- for a cell in revolutionary movement. But a revolutionary cell which, in addition, is endowed with internal love has an added advantage of high degree. Bene and I have constituted such a cell in the Nigerian Left since 1975.”

Although Bene is no more, mourned by the thousands who loved her and know her closely and by the millions who benefited from her undaunted courage, hardwork, humanitarian and revolutionary activities, her imperishable achievements stand tall all over the country and beyond. These multitudes of people will indeed do her homage always. We will never forget her indomitable spirit, her kind and gentle heart.