Wuraola Adepeju father, Thomas Ojo-Ade, was a veteran soldier of World War I and fifth in the line of succession to the Ibadan throne.

Esan was deeply inspired by the Lagos Women’s League which gave active support for the education of girls.

In 1944, she established the Ibadan People's Girls Grammar School in Molete,[4] to educate women in different subjects including domestic science.

However, her views and subsequent political ideas did not advocate a much more expanded vision of women's place in a broader society.

However, Esan was able to rise through the ranks to become the first female member of the Nigerian National Assembly, as a nominated senator from Ibadan West.