Ten-year-old Princess Alimot Moredeke Ajoke Osunbunmi has officially carried the sacred calabash for the first time during the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival procession to the Osun Sacred Grove in Osogbo, Osun State.
Drivetvnews gathered that the young princess, who serves as the Arugba of the festival, performed the revered duty on Friday after being unable to carry the sacred calabash during the 2025 edition because of her age.
Princess Alimot was chosen as the new Arugba in March 2025 through the traditional Ifa divination process, succeeding Osuntomi Ewatomi, whose tenure ended after about 12 years following her marriage.
Ahead of the procession, cultural content creator Wàá Ṣeré announced that the young Arugba had successfully completed the traditional Ifa rites and sacrifices required before undertaking the sacred responsibility.
According to the update, the rites included the prescribed offering to Èṣù on behalf of the people of Osogbo, preparing her to carry the ritual calabash to the Osun Sacred Grove.
During the 2025 festival, the sacred calabash was instead carried by the male chief priest, Baba Osun Adesina, while Princess Alimot led the procession due to concerns over her young age and the physical demands of the ritual.
This year’s event marked a significant milestone as she personally fulfilled the traditional obligation, leading worshippers and devotees from the palace to the Osun Sacred Grove while carrying the sacred calabash.
The Arugba occupies one of the most revered positions in the Osun-Osogbo Festival and is traditionally selected from the royal family through Ifa divination. She serves as the symbolic link between the people and Ọ̀ṣun, the Yoruba river goddess, carrying ritual offerings believed to represent the prayers, hopes, and sacrifices of the community.
Princess Alimot, a member of the royal family of the Ataoja of Osogbo, is regarded as one of the youngest individuals to occupy the prestigious position in recent history.
The Osun-Osogbo Festival, recognised internationally as a major Yoruba cultural and religious celebration, is held annually at the Osun Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 2026 edition runs from August 7 to August 19 and features traditional rites, cultural displays, music, drumming, dancing and other activities before culminating in the symbolic procession to the sacred grove.
