Sowore Sparks Outrage Over 10-Year-Old Arugba At Osun-Osogbo Festival

The choice of 10-year-old princess Alimot Osunbunmi as the Arugba at the 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival has drawn criticism from human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who has called it child abuse.

On Thursday, Alimot became the youngest person in the festival’s history to carry the sacred calabash during the yearly procession to the Osun Sacred Grove in Osogbo, Osun State.

The young princess was selected thru traditional Ifa divination in March 2025 to succeed Osuntomi Ewatomi, who held the position of Arugba for roughly 12 years before giving it up after getting married, according to festival organizers, who called the occasion “history in the making.”

“This is child abuse,” he said, questioning the appropriateness of assigning such responsibilities to a minor.”

This raises an important question: is this truly right, or is it merely what culture demands? Putting a 10-year-old child out to perform such significant rites is something that warrants careful reflection. While cultural traditions are vital to our identity, we must also consider the well-being and innocence of our children. It’s essential to examine whether such practices align with modern values of safety and protection, and to ensure that cultural heritage does not come at the expense of our children’s rights and dignity.