Meet 10-Year-Old Princess Leading 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival

As the 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival approaches, all eyes are on 10-year-old Princess Alimot Moredeke Ajoke Osunbunmi. She is the new Arugba, a highly respected figure in this ancient Yoruba festival.

Alimot was chosen through the traditional Ifa divination process in March 2025. She takes over from Osuntomi Ewatomi, who held the position for about 12 years before getting married.

Key Facts About the Young Arugba
Princess Alimot Moredeke Ajoke Osunbunmi comes from the royal family of the Ataoja of Osogbo.
She became the new Arugba after the Ifa oracle selected her as the chosen maiden to serve the Osun deity.

Her selection followed the end of the previous Arugba's term, which concluded with her marriage.
Choosing an Arugba is not based on public votes or appointments.
Tradition dictates that the Ifa oracle guides the selection from eligible girls in the royal family.

This process is seen as sacred, and many believe it reflects the will of the Osun deity.
One strict requirement for being the Arugba is that the girl must be a virgin from a royal background.
Her purity is vital to the spiritual importance of the festival.

Families with daughters who are chosen feel a great sense of pride.
At just nine years old, Alimot is one of the youngest girls to take on this important role.
Her young age has affected how she carries out her duties during the festival.

Unlike previous Arugbas, Alimot did not carry the sacred calabash in the last festival.
Instead, a male chief priest known as Baba Osun (Adesina) carried the calabash while Alimot led the procession.
Traditionalists said this decision was made due to her young age and the physical demands of the calabash.

They believe she will take on the full responsibilities when she is older.
Even without carrying the calabash, Alimot walked at the front of the procession, guiding worshippers to the Osun Sacred Grove.
The Arugba serves as a key link between the Osun deity and the devotees, making her a central figure in the festival.

The Arugba is thought to carry the prayers, hopes, and sacrifices of the people to the Osun River goddess.
Traditionally, she carries a calabash filled with ritual offerings to the Osun grove.
Many worshippers believe the Arugba takes away the burdens and prayers of the community during the procession.

The Osun-Osogbo Festival is one of Nigeria's oldest traditional festivals and takes place at the Osun Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Held yearly in Osogbo, Osun State, it draws thousands of traditional worshippers, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from Nigeria and beyond.

The 2026 festival is set to happen from August 7 to August 19.
It will include traditional rites, cultural displays, drumming, dancing, and the famous Arugba procession.
The festival dates back over 600 years to the founders of Osogbo.

According to Yoruba tradition, the Osun River goddess protected the early settlers and made a covenant with them.
The people have continued to show their respect through the annual celebration.
Other important rites during the festival include cleansing the town, honoring the Ataoja’s crown, traditional sacrifices, and the final Osun Ajigun ceremony.