Moremi Was A Heroine, Not A Goddess – Expert Says, Traces History

An Ile-Ife-based historian, Mr Kayode Ademola, has dismissed claims that Moremi Ajasoro was a goddess, stating that she was only a heroine whose bravery helped the ancient Ife people overcome their enemies.

Speaking with newsmen in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Mr Ademola traced the historical accounts of Moremi, describing her as a selfless woman who sacrificed her comfort for the liberation of her people.

He explained that Moremi, often referred to as a queen, was said to have been married to Oranmiyan upon his return from the Oyo dynasty.

He noted that while different versions of her story exist, historical records affirm that she was a key figure in Ife’s resistance against invaders.

According to him, the people of Ife were constantly terrorised by a group known as the Ogagu, believed to have originated from the Igbo-speaking areas of present-day Kogi State.

These raiders, he said, disguised themselves with leaves and made eerie sounds, leading the Ife people to believe they were supernatural beings.

“For several years, the Ife people lived in fear, unable to fight back. They thought these invaders were spirits because of their strange appearance and the terrifying sounds they made,” he explained.

He recounted how Moremi, in a daring move, allowed herself to be taken as a slave by the invaders so she could uncover the secret behind their perceived invincibility.

“She was taken to the palace of their king, who, captivated by her beauty, made her his wife. After gaining his trust, he revealed to her that they were mere humans who disguised themselves in leaves,” he stated.

Armed with this knowledge, Moremi returned to Ife and revealed the secret to her people, advising them to use fire against the attackers. Her strategy proved successful, as the Ife warriors set their enemies ablaze, forcing them into retreat.

Following her heroics, Moremi became a revered figure in Ile-Ife, with her name etched into Yoruba history.

However, he argued that her legend was later exaggerated, leading to her deification.

“It is common among Africans to elevate extraordinary individuals to divine status. This was the case with Moremi. Because of her bravery, she was later worshipped, and today, some even refer to her as a goddess,” he said.

He maintained that while Moremi deserves to be celebrated for her sacrifice and patriotism, it is historically inaccurate to call her a deity.

“The Yoruba people have a tradition of honouring their heroes, and in Moremi’s case, it led to idolisation. But the truth remains that she was not a goddess; she was a courageous woman who played a significant role in Ife’s history,” he concluded.