Friday, December 19, 2025, will long be remembered at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as a night of colour, culture, and celebration, as the Moremi Ajasoro Restage took centre stage in grand fashion.
Branded “Detty December UNILAG,” the event transformed the J.F. Ade. Ajayi (Main) Auditorium into a cultural haven, drawing students, staff, and art enthusiasts into an immersive celebration of Nigerian heritage.
The evening unfolded as a rich tapestry of artistic expressions. Guests were welcomed by a captivating art exhibition at the auditorium foyer, followed by a high-energy musical concert that electrified the main bowl. The night reached its crescendo with the much-anticipated theatrical restage of Moremi Ajasoro—a powerful retelling of one of Yoruba history’s most revered legends.
While flagging off the event, Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, reflected on the evolution of the initiative, recalling its roots in “UNILAG in Town,” launched three years ago as a platform to spotlight students’ creativity and innovation.
According to her, the event was designed not only to entertain but also to preserve and promote Nigeria’s cultural history, highlighting the nation’s heroes and heroines, values, virtues, and timeless stories of courage.
> “For three years, we have gone to town,” she noted, “but this time, we are bringing the town to the gown—celebrating Detty December through music, art, and theatre.”
Written by Lekan Balogun, Moremi Ajasoro recounts a period when Ile-Ife was plagued by mysterious invaders. Determined to save her people, Moremi courageously allowed herself to be captured in order to uncover the secret behind the attackers’ powers. Her discovery led to their eventual defeat.
In fulfilment of a vow to the river deity Esimirin, however, Moremi paid the ultimate price—the sacrifice of her only son, Omolarere. Her extraordinary bravery and selflessness have since immortalised her as a legendary heroine in Yoruba history, celebrated through monuments and festivals to this day.
The Moremi Ajasoro Restage was more than a performance—it was a bold affirmation of UNILAG’s commitment to culture, storytelling, and the creative arts, perfectly capturing the spirit of Detty December.
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