(PHOTOS) 10-year-old Arugba set for Osun-Osogbo procession

Princess Alimot Moredeke Ajoke Osunbunmi, a 10-year-old from the royal family of the Ataoja of Osogbo, has completed the traditional Ifa rites to prepare for her role as the Arugba at the Osun-Osogbo Festival. She is set to carry the sacred calabash of Osun to the sacred grove on Friday as part of the annual rituals.

This year's festival marks a significant moment for Alimot, who was selected in March 2025 through traditional Ifa divination. Last year, at age nine, she participated in the procession but did not carry the sacred calabash due to her young age and the physical demands of the role. A male chief priest carried the calabash while Alimot led the procession, an arrangement that allowed her to fulfill her duties while accommodating her age.

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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.

Alimot's emergence as the Arugba has drawn attention due to her youth and royal lineage. The position is traditionally reserved for a young virgin from the royal family. She succeeds Osuntomi Ewatomi, who held the role for approximately 12 years before getting married. The Arugba is a central figure in the Osun-Osogbo Festival, playing a crucial part in the procession to the sacred grove.

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Tomorrow, she carries the sacred calabash of Ọ̀ṣun to the motherly spirit that dwells in fresh waters. Ore Yèyé Ọ̀ṣun o!