At just 10 years old, Princess Alimot Moredeke Ajoke Osunbunmi has become one of the youngest Arugba (sacred calabash bearer) in recent history, leading thousands of devotees during the 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival in Osun State.

Princess Alimot, a member of the royal family of the Ataoja of Osogbo, was selected in March 2025 through the traditional Ifa divination process to serve as the Arugba after the exit of her predecessor, Osuntomi Ewatomilola Oyetunji, who stepped down after over a decade of service to get married.

In Yoruba tradition, the Arugba is a virgin maiden chosen to serve as the spiritual link between the people of Osogbo and Yeye Osun, the revered goddess of fertility, water and protection. The role is one of the most sacred aspects of the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival, which is recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage event.

Following her selection at the age of nine, Princess Alimot was moved to the Ataoja's Palace, where she came under the direct care and spiritual protection of the Ataoja of Osogbo. By custom, the chosen Arugba is regarded as a daughter of the reigning monarch throughout her period of service.

During the festival's grand procession, the Arugba traditionally carries the sacred calabash containing offerings from the community as she leads worshippers from the palace to the Osun Sacred Grove. However, because of Princess Alimot's young age and small stature, the Chief Priest carried the calabash during her first outings while she walked alongside him, fulfilling her spiritual responsibility as the leader of the procession. Traditional authorities say she will carry the calabash herself when she is physically mature enough.

Her position comes with strict traditional obligations. As the Arugba, she must remain a virgin throughout her tenure and observe several cultural taboos, including avoiding certain foods such as fish, snails and guinea corn. Despite these restrictions, she is encouraged to continue her education and live as normally as possible, while observing the customs associated with the sacred office.

The annual Osun-Osogbo Festival attracts thousands of local and international visitors, traditional rulers, tourists and devotees who gather to celebrate Yoruba culture, spirituality and the enduring covenant between the people of Osogbo and the Osun River goddess.

Princess Alimot's emergence has drawn widespread attention, with many describing her as a symbol of purity, cultural continuity and the preservation of one of Nigeria's most celebrated traditional festivals.