what is agemo in yoruba

Agemo is a deity in the Yoruba religion. It is a chameleon that serves as a messenger between the gods, carrying messages between them. Agemo is the main deity of the Ijebu people and its cult spread primarily through the conversion of infertile women, many of whom went to the deity to cure their infertility. The Agemo festival is a masked festival traditionally held in many Yoruba cities but more popularly linked with the Ijebu people of Ogun State. It is celebrated to honor the spirit deity Agemo, who is believed to be a protector of children and who safeguards Ijebus future through its blessing. The festival is linked with the traditional African religion, in particular, the practices of the Agemo cult. It is considered a taboo for a woman to see the Agemo masquerade during their procession to Imosan.