In an unusual but culturally significant deviation from tradition, the sacred calabash known as Igba Osun, typically borne by a votary maid (Arugba), was carried by a male priest at the 2025 edition of the Osun-Osogbo festival on Friday.
Investigations revealed that the long-serving Arugba, Osuntomi Ewatomilola, who had carried out the revered duty for over a decade, formally stepped down from the role following her marriage in August 2024.
A replacement was, however, selected in March 2025 through Ifa divination. The new Arugba, nine-year-old Alimot Osunbunmi, a virgin from the royal lineage in Osogbo, was publicly introduced to take up the sacred responsibility.
However, this year’s procession saw a departure from the norm, as the young Osunbunmi was considered too physically fragile to carry the heavy calabash—laden with ritual items for sacrifice to the river goddess—along the traditional route to the Osun Sacred Grove.
To mitigate concerns regarding her age and physical capacity, the spiritual burden was transferred to a male priest, identified as Chief Priest Adesina, who bore the Igba Osun throughout the procession. Osunbunmi nonetheless led the ceremonial train, fulfilling her symbolic role at the forefront.
Speaking on the development, a traditionalist, Olawale Osunfemi, described the arrangement as both appropriate and necessary.
“It is not an aberration,” he explained. “The new Arugba is still a child. The weight of the calabash and its contents is considerable, and it requires someone of adequate strength and spiritual preparedness.”
He further noted that the role remains with the girl and will, in time, be performed by her as tradition demands. “She will grow into the role. It is a sacred duty that is both spiritually and physically demanding,” Osunfemi affirmed.
