Born: 12th century (Offa, present-day Nigeria)
Biography:
Moremi Ajasoro, also known as Mọremí Àjàṣorò, was a legendary Yoruba queen and folk heroine in the Yorubaland region of present-day southwestern Nigeria. She played a crucial role in the liberation of the Yoruba kingdom of Ife from the neighboring Ugbo Kingdom, making her an iconic figure in Yoruba history.
Born in the 12th century in Offa, Moremi was married to Oranmiyan, the son of Oduduwa, the first king of Ife. Ile-Ife, the kingdom she belonged to, was locked in a bitter conflict with the neighboring tribe known as the Forest people. These raiders, who were seen as spirits covered in raffia leaves, had been enslaving Ife citizens, causing anguish and despair among the Yoruba city-states.
Fueled by a deep love for her people and determined to find a solution, Moremi made a bold and sacrificial decision. She embarked on a quest to discover the strength and strategies of the enemy tribe by pledging a great sacrifice to the Spirit of the river Esimirin. Her bravery and commitment to her people were remarkable.
Attempting to deal with the constant raids, Moremi allowed herself to be captured by the raiders, becoming a slave in the Ugbo Kingdom. However, her beauty and the assistance of Esimirin enabled her to win the favor of the Ugbo ruler, who eventually married her and appointed her as his anointed queen. During her time there, she discreetly gathered vital intelligence about the enemy’s army.
Utilizing the information she had obtained, Moremi managed to escape from the Ugbo Kingdom and returned to Ile-Ife. She courageously revealed the enemy’s weaknesses and strategies to the Yoruba people, enabling them to mount a successful defense against the Forest people in battle. Moremi’s knowledge and bravery played a significant role in the defeat of their oppressors.
After the war, she reunited with her first husband, King Oranmiyan of Ife (and later Oyo), who reinstated her as his queen. However, the river Esimirin, to which Moremi had pledged her sacrifice, demanded the life of her only son, Oluorogbo. Despite her grief, Moremi kept her promise and fulfilled the sacrificial demand. This act of devotion deeply touched the kingdom of Ife, and its people consoled Queen Moremi by offering to be her eternal children in place of the child she had lost. This promise has been upheld by the Yoruba people to this day.
Moremi Ajasoro’s bravery and sacrifice have made her a revered figure in Yoruba history. Her strategic intelligence and determination to protect her people from oppression and slavery have inspired generations. Her story represents the indomitable spirit of the Yoruba people and their championing of justice and freedom.