Princess Alimot Moredeke Ajoke Osunbunmi, the 10-year-old Arugba of the Osun-Osogbo Festival, carried the sacred calabash for the first time on Friday during the annual procession to the Osun Sacred Grove in Osogbo, Osun State.
The young princess led worshippers and traditional devotees from the palace to the sacred grove, performing one of the festival's most respected duties after missing the role during the 2025 celebration because of her age.
Alimot was chosen as the Arugba in March 2025 through traditional Ifa divination, replacing Osuntomi Ewatomi, whose service ended after about 12 years following her marriage.
Before this year's procession, she completed the traditional rites required for the role, clearing the way for her to take part fully in the sacred ceremony.
Last year, although she led the procession, the sacred calabash was carried by a male chief priest because traditional leaders believed she was too young to handle the physical demands of the task.
This year marked a new chapter as she personally carried the calabash containing ritual offerings to the Osun Sacred Grove, a responsibility reserved for the Arugba.
In Yoruba tradition, the Arugba is selected from the royal family through Ifa divination and serves as a symbolic link between the people and Osun, the river goddess. During the procession, the maiden carries the sacred calabash as a representation of the community's prayers, hopes and sacrifices.
Alimot, a member of the royal family of the Ataoja of Osogbo, drew public attention when she was appointed because she is one of the youngest girls to hold the respected position in recent years.
The Osun-Osogbo Festival is a centuries-old cultural and religious celebration held annually at the Osun Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The event attracts traditional worshippers, tourists, researchers and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and other countries.
The 2026 edition, which runs from August 7 to 19, features traditional rites, cultural displays, drumming, dancing and other activities before ending with the sacred procession to the grove, regarded as the peak of the festival.
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