Male Carries Sacred Calabash at Osun-Osogbo Festival in Rare Break from Tradition

Male Carries Sacred Calabash at Osun-Osogbo Festival in Rare Break from Tradition

OSOGBO — This year’s annual Osun-Osogbo Cultural Festival took an unusual turn as the sacred white calabash, known as Igba Osun, was carried by a man instead of the traditional female votary maid, in a departure from the age-long custom of the revered celebration.

In March, the Ifa oracle had selected a new Arugba Osun, Miss Alimot Osunbunmi, to take over the sacred role from Osuntomi Ewatomilola, who held the position for about 12 years before stepping down in August last year following her marriage. The Arugba, always a virgin from the royal family, is chosen to bear the symbolic calabash during the procession to the Osun Sacred Grove — a central ritual of the UNESCO-recognised festival.

However, festival watchers were surprised when the new Arugba, participating in the role for the first time, was seen walking ahead of the entourage while the Igba Osun was carried by the Osun Chief Priest, identified simply as Adesina. The procession to the grove, accompanied by soldiers, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security personnel, maintained its grandeur despite the adjustment.

Sources within Ile Osun, located inside the Ataoja of Osogbo’s palace, revealed that the decision for the priest to carry the calabash was deliberate, though reasons were not officially disclosed. The unusual sight sparked discussions among festival participants and devotees.

A respected traditionalist, Olawale Osunfemi, offered insight into the possible reasoning. “It is not unusual,” he said. “The likely reason may be due to the strength of the new Arugba. She is still a child, and perhaps her strength could not cope with the weight of the sacrificial items for the river goddess that are placed in the calabash. This role is both spiritually and physically demanding.”

He added that with time, Osunbunmi would take on the full responsibility as tradition requires, once she had grown accustomed to the spiritual demands of the role.

The Osun-Osogbo Festival, held annually in honour of the river goddess Osun, draws thousands of devotees, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world. This year’s edition maintained its vibrant displays of culture, prayers, and sacrifices, despite the rare adjustment in its most symbolic ritual.

Akahi News will continue to monitor developments around the new Arugba’s gradual assumption of her full ceremonial duties in the years to come.