10-Year-Old Princess Carries Sacred Calabash at Festival

Princess Alimot Moredeke Ajoke Osunbunmi, at just 10 years old, carried the sacred calabash for the first time during the Osun-Osogbo Festival procession on Friday in Osogbo, Osun State. This event is significant as Alimot was unable to carry the calabash during the 2025 festival due to her young age, with Baba Osun, Adesina, taking on the responsibility instead.

Alimot was selected as the new Arugba through traditional Ifa divination in March 2025, succeeding Osuntomi Ewatomi, who held the position for approximately 12 years. Ahead of the procession, cultural content creator Wàá Ṣeré confirmed that Alimot had completed the necessary traditional Ifa rites.

The Arugba serves as a vital link between the people and Ọ̀ṣun, the Yoruba river goddess, carrying ritual offerings during the procession. Alimot's selection as one of the youngest Arugbas in recent years has drawn attention, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual significance of the festival, which is centered around the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Osun Sacred Grove.