As preparations gather pace for the 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival, attention has turned to 10-year-old Princess Alimot Moredeke Ajoke Osunbunmi, the young girl serving as the new Arugba, one of the most revered figures in the centuries-old Yoruba cultural festival.
Alimot, who was selected through the traditional Ifa divination process in March 2025, succeeded Osuntomi Ewatomi, who served as Arugba for about 12 years before getting married.
Here are key things to know about the young Arugba and her role ahead of this year’s festival.
Who is the new Arugba?
Princess Alimot Moredeke Ajoke Osunbunmi is a 10-year-old girl from the royal family of the Ataoja of Osogbo.
She emerged as the new Arugba after traditional Ifa divination identified her as the chosen maiden to serve the Osun deity.
Her emergence followed the end of the tenure of the previous
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