Priestess Defends Young Arugba Amid Child Abuse Claims

Ifáyemí Elébuibón, the Araba of Osogbo, defended the selection of 10-year-old Princess Alimot Osunbunmi as the Arugba for the Osun-Osogbo Festival, describing the role as a privilege rather than child abuse. In a video interview, he explained that the Arugba is chosen through Ifa divination from the royal lineage and serves as a spiritual intermediary between the Osun deity and the community.

Elébuibón stated that the Arugba's responsibilities are not determined by biological age, noting that some have been selected as young as five. He emphasized that the Arugba must remain pure and is spiritually nourished by the Orisa.

A female priestess also supported this view, stating that the chosen maiden must be a virgin and adhere to specific taboos. Both emphasized that the tradition is protective and honors the selected girls, rejecting claims of child abuse.