This year’s Osun-Osogbo Cultural Festival took an unusual turn when a male participant carried the symbolic white calabash, known as Igba Osun—a role traditionally reserved for the Arugba, a virgin votary maid.
In March, Alimot Osunbunmi was chosen as the new Arugba Osun, succeeding Osuntomi Ewatomilola, who had served for about 12 years before stepping down after her marriage in August last year. The position is reserved for an unmarried female from the royal family, selected through consultation with the Ifa oracle.
However, sources within Ile Osun at the Ataoja’s palace revealed that the Osun Chief Priest, identified as Adesina, carried the calabash during the procession to the Osun sacred grove. Osunbunmi, performing her duties for the first time, walked ahead of the group while security personnel—including soldiers, DSS operatives, and others—provided heavy protection. The reason for the change in protocol was not immediately confirmed.
Commenting on the development, traditionalist Olawale Osunfemi explained that it was not unprecedented. He suggested that the decision might be linked to the new Arugba’s age and physical strength.
“She’s still very young,” he said. “The calabash contains sacrificial items for the river goddess, and it can be physically demanding to carry. Over time, she will grow into the role fully.”
Meanwhile, Osun State APC governorship aspirant, Dotun Babayemi, used the occasion to call for the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage, including artefacts, relics, and especially the Yoruba language, which he warned is at risk of extinction.
He stressed that cultural festivals like Osun-Osogbo help preserve historical consciousness and foster unity among the Yoruba people.
“Our culture is our identity and our pride,” Babayemi stated. “We must protect it and pass it on to the next generation. A cultural rebirth will reconnect us with our past and strengthen our unity for the future.”
