A priestess and the Araba of Osogbo have defended the selection of a 10-year-old Arugba for the Osun-Osogbo Festival, dismissing child abuse claims and explaining the tradition.

A 10-year-old girl, Arugba, led the sacred procession at the Osun-Osogbo festival, carrying the traditional calabash. The event was marked by widespread ecstasy and cultural celebration.

Princess Alimot Moredeke Ajoke Osunbunmi, a 10-year-old, has been chosen as the Arugba to lead the sacred 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival, a significant cultural role.