A 10-year-old princess, Alimot Moredeke Ajoke Osunbunmi, has carried the sacred calabash for the first time as Arugba during the 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival procession in Osogbo, Osun State.

The young votary maid led the traditional procession from the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo to the UNESCO-listed Osun Sacred Grove on Friday, August 7, 2026.

Young Princess Takes Sacred Role

Alimot, a member of the Ataoja’s royal family, carried the calabash believed to hold the collective prayers, sacrifices and petitions of the people of Osogbo to Yeye Osun.

Her first full participation marks a major milestone in her tenure as Arugba, a revered role that serves as a symbolic link between the people and the Osun deity.

Alimot was selected through traditional Ifa divination in March 2025, succeeding Osuntomi Ewatomi, who served as Arugba for about 12 years before leaving the position after her marriage.

Why She Did Not Carry the Calabash in 2025

During last year’s festival, Alimot led the procession but did not carry the sacred calabash because of her young age and the physical demands involved in the ritual.

The responsibility was temporarily performed by the chief priest, Baba Osun Adesina.

This year, Alimot completed the required traditional Ìdáfá rites and other spiritual preparations before taking full responsibility for carrying the calabash during the procession.

Thousands Witness Procession

The 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival began on August 7 and will run until August 19, featuring traditional rites, cultural performances, drumming and dancing.

Thousands of devotees, traditional priests, palace chiefs and visitors gathered along the route as the young princess fulfilled the sacred duty.

The Osun-Osogbo Festival remains one of Nigeria’s major traditional cultural celebrations and is held annually at the Osun Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.