Moremi Ajasoro, a 12th-century Yoruba queen from the Yorubaland region of modern-day southwestern Nigeria, played a significant role in the history of her people. Originally from Offa and married to King Oduduwa of Ile-Ife, Moremi became a citizen of the city through her marriage.
The city of Ile-Ife faced constant attacks from the Ugbo tribe, known as the “Forest people,” who kidnapped women and children. To liberate her people, Moremi sought guidance from the goddess of the river at Esimirin river. She made a daring plan to allow herself to be captured by the Ugbo people and then escaped to reveal the secrets of the tribe’s army to the Yoruba people. With this information, the Yorubas were able to defeat the Ugbo tribe in battle.
After the war, Moremi returned to her husband in Ile-Ife, King Oranmiyan, who reinstated her as his queen. To fulfill her pledge to the river goddess, Moremi sacrificed her only son, Oluorogbo. Moremi’s bravery and sacrifice have solidified her place in Yoruba history as a symbol of courage and leadership.
