Osun-Osogbo: Priestess defends 10-year-old Arugba, dismisses child abuse claims

The Araba of Osogbo, Ifáyemí Elébuibón, has defended the tradition of selecting a young maiden, known as the Arugba, for the Osun-Osogbo Festival. This practice, Elébuibón explained, is not child abuse but a privilege and spiritual role. The Arugba is chosen through Ifa divination from the royal lineage and carries the sacred calabash during the festival procession.

A 10-year-old, Princess Alimot Osunbunmi, was selected through this method in March 2025 and carried the calabash for the first time during this year's festival. Despite being 10 years old, Elébuibón emphasized that the Arugba's role is not determined by physical age but spiritual maturity. He stated that the Arugba serves as a spiritual intermediary between the deity and the people, communicating divine messages.

Both Elébuibón and another female priestess defended the practice, stating that the selected Arugba must be a virgin and free from any physical or spiritual impurities. They rejected the label of "child abuse" and highlighted the protective measures and spiritual significance associated with the role. The 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival, centered on the Osun deity, is currently underway and will continue until August 19.