Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticised the selection of a 10-year-old princess, Alimot Osunbunmi, as the Arugba at the 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival, describing it as a form of child abuse.
Alimot carried the sacred calabash during the annual procession to the Osun Sacred Grove in Osogbo, Osun State, on Thursday, becoming the youngest person to perform the revered role in the festival’s history.
Festival organisers described the moment as “history in the making,” noting that the young princess was chosen through traditional Ifa divination in March 2025 to succeed Osuntomi Ewatomi, who served as Arugba for about 12 years before relinquishing the role following her marriage.
Reacting to the development, Sowore argued that the young princess is still a child and, therefore, incapable of giving informed consent to participate in such a significant traditional rite.
“This is child abuse,” he said, questioning the appropriateness of assigning such responsibilities to a minor.
The comments have sparked debate on social media, with some supporting Sowore’s concerns about children’s rights and consent, while others defended the practice as a long-standing cultural and spiritual tradition central to the Osun-Osogbo Festival.
The Osun-Osogbo Festival, recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage event, is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated traditional festivals, attracting thousands of worshippers, tourists and cultural enthusiasts from across the world each year.
Alimot carried the sacred calabash during the annual procession to the Osun Sacred Grove in Osogbo, Osun State, on Thursday, becoming the youngest person to perform the revered role in the festival’s history.
Festival organisers described the moment as “history in the making,” noting that the young princess was chosen through traditional Ifa divination in March 2025 to succeed Osuntomi Ewatomi, who served as Arugba for about 12 years before relinquishing the role following her marriage.
Reacting to the development, Sowore argued that the young princess is still a child and, therefore, incapable of giving informed consent to participate in such a significant traditional rite.
“This is child abuse,” he said, questioning the appropriateness of assigning such responsibilities to a minor.
The comments have sparked debate on social media, with some supporting Sowore’s concerns about children’s rights and consent, while others defended the practice as a long-standing cultural and spiritual tradition central to the Osun-Osogbo Festival.
The Osun-Osogbo Festival, recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage event, is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated traditional festivals, attracting thousands of worshippers, tourists and cultural enthusiasts from across the world each year.
