The Only Exclusive Female Army Ever In History

The Agojis as they were called were the first and only exclusive all female soldiers and fighters in history.
The kingdom of Oyo, of what is today western Nigeria had made Dahomey it's tributary state and demanded regular tributes to the Oyo throne.
It now came a time that the Dahomey rulers felt they have had enough of this oppresive servitude to the Oyo empire. Same way Fabunmi of Oke-mesi felt against same Oyo and mobilised soldiers for the Ekiti-parapo war.
Research indicates that Dahomey kingdom was born out of chaos and this very resistance to the Oyo Kingdom. Dahomey carried out this resistance mobilising a truly militarized all women entity called the Agojis.

The Agojis were a highly revered fierce band of an all female fighters unit of the military superstructure. They became the king's special guards and even supervised the men in government and reported to the king.
Again these fierce female fighters were known as the Agojis.
These fierce and fiery all female warriors were formed in the 17th century by King Houegbadja, the founder of the Kingdom of Dahomey.

They were carefully selected specially trained in combat, strategy, and leadership.
The Agoji warriors played a crucial role in the kingdom's military campaigns, including battles against European colonizers.
They were known for their distinctive hairstyles, which featured shaved heads with a strip of hair down the middle. The Agoji warriors were also revered for their spiritual powers and were believed to possess supernatural strength and agility.
The Agoji warriors, also known as the Dahomey Amazons, were a unique and fascinating part of West African history. Here are some more interesting facts about these fierce and fiery in battle women:

Of course they an all-female soldiers unit: The Agoji warriors were an all-female military unit, which was unusual at that period in time.
Powerful revered and feared: They were known for their bravery, strength, and fighting skills, making them a powerful and feared force in the entire region. Any that dared them does so at his own peril.
They were palace guards: They served as guards for the royal palace and the king. Just like our modern day brigade of guards.
There were trained from childhood: Girls were recruited and trained from a young age to become Agoji warriors.

Celibacy: They were required to remain celibate, as marriage and children were seen as a distraction from their duties.
Cultural significance: The Agoji warriors played an important role in the culture and traditions of Dahomey Kingdom.
European encounters: They famously clashed with French colonial forces in the late 19th century, showcasing their military prowess.

Despite their fearsome reputation, the Agoji warriors were also celebrated for their beauty, grace, and cultural significance.
Legacy: The Agoji warriors continue to inspire and symbolize female empowerment and strength in West Africa and beyond.