Why "Yeye Moremi Oodua"? The Legacy Behind Our Name
Our foundation takes its name from Moremi Ajasoro, the 12th-century Queen of Ife, and from the title conferred on our founder by the Ooni of Ife. Here is the story behind it.
Every name carries a story. Ours reaches back more than eight centuries, to one of the most celebrated women in Yoruba history.
Who was Moremi Ajasoro?
Moremi Ajasoro was a 12th-century Queen of Ife. When her people suffered repeated raids from the Ugbo, she chose to act. She allowed herself to be captured, learned the secret behind the raiders' fearsome raffia costumes, and returned home with the knowledge that would defeat them: the costumes could be set alight.
Her victory came at a great personal cost. To fulfil the vow she had made to the river deity Esimirin, she gave up her only son, Oluorogbo. For this courage and sacrifice, Moremi is remembered as a mother to her whole people, and her story remains a powerful symbol of women's leadership, strategy and selfless service.
A title for our time
In commemoration of her 60th birthday, His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, conferred the title of Yeye Moremi Oodua on Dr. (Mrs.) Olufunso Amosun, our founder. The title recognises a lifetime of service to the vulnerable, from her humanitarian work as First Lady of Ogun State to the founding of Green Education for the Youth (GEFTY).
What the name asks of us
To carry Moremi's name is to accept her example. For the foundation, that means:
- Standing up for people who are vulnerable, as Moremi stood up for Ife
- Using knowledge and strategy to solve real problems, from digital skills to clean water
- Serving the community as a whole, not just individuals
- Keeping Yoruba culture and identity alive for the next generation
To read more about our founder and this honour, see the full tribute, The Spirit of Moremi & A Diamond Jubilee of Service, or learn about the foundation.
