10-year-old Arugba Princess Alimot Moredeke Ajoke Osunbunmi completes Ifa rites for Osun-Osogbo Festival procession
Princess Alimot Moredeke Ajoke Osunbunmi, the 10-year-old Arugba of the Osun-Osogbo Festival, has completed the traditional Ifa rites in preparation for Friday's sacred procession at the Osun Sacred Grove. A cultural content creator, Wàá Ṣeré, announced on X that the Arugba is ready to perform her role, which includes carrying the sacred calabash of Osun to the sacred grove as part of the annual rituals. This marks a significant moment for Alimot, who was selected as the new Arugba in March 2025 through traditional Ifa divination. Her young age and royal background have drawn attention. Unlike the 2025 festival where a male chief priest carried the calabash due to her age, Alimot is expected to carry it this year. The Arugba, a central figure in the Osun-Osogbo Festival, is traditionally a young virgin from the royal lineage, selected by the Ifa oracle, who carries a sacred calabash containing ritual offerings. This calabash is considered a symbol connected to Osun, the Yoruba river goddess, and the Arugba is seen as a spiritual link between the people and the deity. The Osun-Osogbo Festival, an annual Yoruba cultural and religious event held in Osogbo, Osun State, is centered around the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Osun Sacred Grove. The 2026 edition is scheduled from August 7 to August 19, featuring traditional rites, cultural performances, drumming, and dancing.
