10-year-old Alimot Osunbunmi, the Arugba of the Osun-Osogbo Festival, on Friday carried the sacred calabash for the first time during the annual procession to the Osun Sacred Grove in Osogbo, Osun State.
This procession marked an important moment for Alimot as Arugba. She had not been allowed to carry the sacred calabash during the 2025 festival because she was too young.
Alimot was chosen through Ifa divination in March 2025 to take over from Osuntomi Ewatomi, who had served as Arugba for about 12 years until her marriage ended her role.
Before Friday’s procession, cultural content creator Wàá Ṣeré shared on X that the young princess had finished the traditional Ifa rites needed before starting her duties.
“The Arugba has been fortified! Ìdáfá Arugba is now done and dusted. Arugba takes the required sacrifice to Èṣù on behalf of the whole of the land of Òṣogbo.”
The post added: “Tomorrow, she carries the sacred calabash of Ọ̀ṣun to the motherly spirit that dwells in fresh waters. Ore Yèyé Ọ̀ṣun o!”
In 2025, a chief priest called Baba Osun (Adesina) carried the sacred calabash while Alimot led the procession. This year, the young princess took on both roles herself, leading worshippers from the Ataoja’s palace to the Osun Sacred Grove.
The Arugba is selected from the Ataoja’s royal family through Ifa divination. She acts as a symbolic link between the people of Osogbo and Ọ̀ṣun, the Yoruba river goddess. During the procession, she carries a sacred calabash with ritual offerings to the grove.
People noticed Alimot’s selection because she is so young, making her one of the youngest girls to serve as Arugba in recent years.
The Osun-Osogbo Festival takes place every year at the Osun Sacred Grove, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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The 2026 festival will run from August 7 to August 19. It will feature traditional rites, cultural displays, drumming, dancing, and the procession to the grove, which is one of the main events.
