Friday, December 19, 2025 was a red letter day in the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as the Moremi Ajasoro Restage held amidst pump and ceremony.
Tagged “Detty December UNILAG”, the event was one which turned the entire J.F. Ade. Ajayi (Main) Auditorium of UNILAG into a Mecca of some sort.
It was an evening that celebrated culture, arts, and theatre at its finest; featuring a rich blend of captivating art exhibition set up at the auditorium foyer, and a vibrant musical concert in the main bowl which culminated in the highpoint of the night: Moremi Ajasoro Restage.
In her remarks to flag off the event, Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, recalled how the journey began 3 years ago with “UNILAG in Town” as a platform to showcase students of UNILAG in terms of innovation and creativity.
The event, according to her, was not only about showcasing culture but to also promote the history, heroes and heroines, strength and ancient feats about Nigerians and Nigeria to promote integrity, virtues, values and character.
Her words “… for 3 years, we have been to town, but this time, we are bringing the town to the gown as a way of celebrating Detty December via music, art works and the theatre…”
The stage play: Moremi Ajasoro, written by Lekan Balogun, tells the history of a time when Ile-Ife was under constant attacks by mysterious raiders and Moremi’s act of bravery to save her people by offering herself to be captured in order to learn the secrets of their tormentor. After gaining their trust, she discovered their weakness and escaped to help her people defeat them.
To fulfill a vow made to the river deity, Esimirin for her success, Moremi Ajasoro had to, tragically, sacrifice her only son, Omolarere. This bravery and selflessness made her a revered heroine in Yoruba history, honored through festivals and monuments till this day.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Ayomide Oloyede & Tobiloba Gisanrin
