In Ile-Ife, memories of Moremi unite Yoruba stakeholders at book launch

The intriguing story of legendary Queen Moremi Ajasoro of the ancient and historical city of Ile-Ife aptly epitomises sacrifice and passion for the survival of the Yoruba race, bearing in mind her invaluable contributions in the 12th Century, which served as the harbinger of hope for the people.

But, the unveiling of a book on the heroine written by the House of Oduduwa Foundation and dedicated to the wife of the Ogun State governor, Mrs Olufunso Amosun by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi vividly re-echoed the virtues of Moremi, most especially in saving the people of Ile-Ife from the perennial invasion of Ugbo community.

The launch of the 80-page book, published in both English and Yoruba languages held inside the Oduduwa Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, last Saturday attracted the creme de la creme of the society, including governors, lawmakers, the academia and notable traditional rulers.

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Historically, the interesting story of Queen Moremi, the beautiful wife of Oranmiyan, Ooni of Ife, Obalufon Alayemore encapsulated the heroic deeds of a woman, who dared the odds to save her people from extinction following external invasion of Ile-Ife.

The invaders were said to appear to Ife people as weird on the battlefield that they were thought to be aliens or spirits. The conclusion of the Ife inhabitants was that they were sent by the gods to punish them for some evil deeds they could have committed. Sacrifices were offered to the gods in vain as the invasion persisted and the land was enveloped by perpetual fear.

Moremi, who shared in the worry of Oba Oranmiyan and the discomfort caused by the development to the people made a bold attempt to work out a panacea to the problem by expressing her readiness to offer anything as sacrifice to the goddess of river Esimirin, with a view to discovering the secret and strength of the enemies, killing and maiming her people in thousands.

When the enemies came calling again, she willingly allowed herself to be taken as a slave by the people and due to her beauty, the then invading king married her and she became one of the queens in his palace. Exploring her wit as a woman, she was able to extract the truth about the warriors from her husband who revealed that they were normal human beings, who only adorned  strange mantles of grass and bamboo fibre when they were going to the battlefield to make them look weird. She also discovered that because they were wrapped in dried grass, they dared not go near fire.

After acquainting herself with the secrets of her husband’s army, she escaped to Ile-Ife and revealed this to the people, who were able to subsequently defeat them.

However, speaking during the book launch, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi maintained that the attributes of Moremi, exhibited by the wife of the Ogun State governor, Mrs Amosun compelled him to dedicate the book to her and also proclaimed her as the Moremi of Yorubaland.

In his remarks, the Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun said religion and  civilisation should not erode African culture, stressing that “our tradition, custom and heritage must not be forgotten. We must not forget our heroes. We have to thank the Ooni of Ife and others involved in this book launch for keeping our culture alive.”

He stated further that “some weeks ago when we were celebrating June 12, we called the Ooni and we were told that he had gone to Brazil. He went there to promote Yoruba as a race and have interface with Yorubas in that country to remind them that we have not lost our culture. On behalf of my wife and all of us, I thank the Ooni.

“I want to assure you all that anything that has to do with our culture, race, you will not find me wanting and you will not find any of our governors in the South West wanting. We will continue to support any move that will promote our culture and who we are as Yoruba race.”

Similarly, the Ondo State governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu in his address commended what he termed exemplary leadership role in preserving the culture of Yoruba race, noting that “it is a thing of pride that as a woman during her own time, Moremi stood for sacrifice and service to humanity. We as Yorubas should put the legendary Moremi in her befitting position in the history of our race as we have started today.”

While addressing the gathering, the chairman on the occasion, the Olugbon of Ile Igbon, Oba Olusola Alao maintained that “this is the time for women to be actively involved in government as Moremi had set the pace centuries ago,” pointing out that “Moremi, through her historical feat stood for justice and liberty. This is a clarion call that women should be involved in governance in our nation.”

He posited that “women should take over the mantle of leadership. We are preserving our culture and tradition. The calling of traditional rulers is to serve the people. God will give us knowledge and understanding to strengthen the unity of Yorubaland.”

In her speech, the global heritage ambassador for Queen Moremi Ajasoro (QMA) brand, Aderonke Ademiluyi explained that “Queen Moremi Ajasoro initiative was established by the Ooni as part of the House of Oduduwa Foundation. As the custodian of Yoruba culture, Oba Ogunwusi is committed to the promotion of the rich narrative of the legendary Queen Moremi Ajasoro of which he has demonstrated in various ways of keeping alive her rich legacy.”

She further disclosed that “one of the projects in honour of Moremi is the construction of the 42-feet Moremi statue of liberty which is the tallest statue in Nigeria. Also is the cultural pageant which empowers young women and beauty queens into becoming future employers of labour with the sum of N5 million impact investment fund dedicated to this course.”

Other dignitaries at the book launch were the Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuosho, Akarigbo of Ijebu Remo, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, wife of the Osun State governor, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola, the Vice Chancellor of OAU, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Dayo Adeneye, Olowu of Owu, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu, Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, Iyalode Alaba Lawson, among others.