Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised the selection of a 10-year-old princess, Alimot Osunbunmi, as the Arugba (calabash carrier) for this year’s Osun-Osogbo Festival held on Thursday, August 7.
Princess Alimot led the annual procession to the Osun Sacred Grove in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, carrying the sacred calabash containing sacrificial offerings. Festival organisers described the event as “history in the making” as she became the youngest person to perform the revered role, but the development has generated widespread debate over child rights.
Reacting to the development, Sowore said a 10-year-old child lacks the legal and emotional capacity to make an informed decision on accepting a lifelong cultural responsibility. He argued that placing such a burden on Princess Alimot and celebrating it as a historic achievement raises serious concerns about the child’s rights and welfare.
The activist acknowledged the importance of culture as part of society’s identity but maintained that no tradition should impose responsibilities on a child who is too young to give meaningful consent. He stressed that cultural practices should evolve in line with the growing understanding of children’s rights and dignity, insisting that protecting children must take precedence over preserving customs that require obligations they cannot freely choose.
Sowore further stated that every child deserves the freedom to grow, learn and choose their own path when they are old enough, adding that such an approach would ensure culture remains both meaningful and humane.
Princess Alimot was chosen for the revered role in March 2025 through traditional Ifa divination. She succeeded the former Arugba, Osuntomi Ewatomi, who stepped down after serving in the position for 12 years following her marriage.