A nine-year-old girl named Osunbunmi, hailing from Agbo’lé Ọba in Òṣogbo, has been appointed as the new Arugbá Ọ̀ṣun, a highly respected position in the yearly Ọ̀ṣun-Òṣogbo Festival.
An Osun devotee, who preferred to remain unnamed, revealed that the Ifa oracle affirmed her selection.
He explained that Osunbunmi’s appointment comes after the previous Arugbá stepped down from the role.
The devotee shared, “After the traditional divination process, a young girl named Osunbunmi was selected for the revered role.”
Her selection occurs several months before the festival, scheduled for August 2025.
In this tradition, the Arugbá Ọ̀ṣun is a young, unmarried girl tasked with carrying the ceremonial calabash filled with offerings to the Ọ̀ṣun River during the festival.
Her duty, rooted in tradition, is vital to the event, representing innocence and serving as a bridge between the community and the Ọ̀ṣun River deity.
A high-ranking priest from the Ọ̀ṣun-Òṣogbo Sacred Grove commented, “The Arugbá is chosen through divine guidance and must come from a lineage deeply connected to the festival. This young girl has been prepared for her role and will lead this year’s procession.”
Her family in Agbo’lé Ọba expressed immense pride and happiness about her new role.
Her father remarked, “This is a great honour for our family. We will support her throughout this sacred duty.”
Community leaders and festival coordinators also extended their congratulations to the young Arugbá, underscoring the significance of her position.
An Osun elder noted, ““She carries the prayers of the people to Ọ̀ṣun, and her journey to the river is one of the festival’s most significant moments,”
Preparations for the celebration are already in motion, with traditional practitioners, worshippers, and visitors anticipated to converge in Òṣogbo.
This UNESCO-recognized annual gathering draws thousands of attendees from Nigeria and beyond.
Ifatokun, a devotee, emphasized the event’s cultural weight, stating, “The festival is not just about tradition; it is a celebration of our heritage and a time for communal prayers and blessings.”
As the new Arugbá readies herself for this sacred task, anticipation is growing throughout Òṣogbo.
The event, set for August, continues to uphold its status as one of Nigeria’s most cherished cultural and religious occasions.
Osunbunmi’s appointment signals the start of a fresh era in the festival’s legacy, ensuring the Ọ̀ṣun-Òṣogbo traditions endure for future generations.
(Arisenewsdaily)
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