A new face will carry one of Yoruba culture’s most sacred responsibilities this year. Princess Alimot Moredeke Ajoke Osunbunmi, just 10 years old, has been chosen as the Arugba for the 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival in Osogbo, Osun State.
Her selection has drawn wide attention as she prepares to step into a role steeped in centuries of tradition.The title “Arugba” means “calabash carrier.” In the Osun-Osogbo tradition, the Arugba is a young virgin from the royal lineage who leads the procession to the sacred grove. She bears offerings to River Goddess Osun on behalf of the people, symbolizing purity, peace, and the covenant between the community and the deity. The role is regarded as both an honor and a spiritual duty.
Princess Alimot comes from the royal family and was selected after due consultations with the palace, chiefs, and custodians of tradition. Despite her young age, she is expected to undergo rites, prayers, and cultural preparation in the weeks leading up to the festival. Elders say her comportment and lineage made her fit for the sacred task.
The Osun-Osogbo Festival is a UNESCO-recognized cultural event that attracts devotees, tourists, and dignitaries from across Nigeria and the world. It celebrates Osun, the goddess of fertility, prosperity, and healing. The week-long activities include traditional music, dance, prayers, and the grand procession to the Osun Sacred Grove, a site revered for its spiritual significance.
With Princess Alimot leading as Arugba, organizers say this year’s festival will highlight the passing of culture to the next generation. The palace and the Osun-Osogbo Festival Committee have called on residents and visitors to observe the customs with respect as the ancient celebration unfolds in Osogbo.
