This is child abuse – Omoyele Sowore kicks against the use of 10-year-old to carry sacred Osun-Osogbo Calabash

Human rights activist and presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has strongly criticized the choice of a 10-year-old princess, Alimot Osunbunmi, to serve as the Arugba (calabash carrier) at this year’s Osun-Osogbo Festival, held today, August 7. 

Princess Alimot led the historic annual procession to the Osun Sacred Grove in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, bearing the sacred calabash containing sacrificial offerings. While festival organizers celebrated the milestone as “history in the making” due to her being the youngest individual to ever fulfill the role, the development has sparked intense public debate regarding child rights. 

Sowore publicly condemned the act, arguing that a 10-year-old is a minor who lacks the legal and emotional capacity to give informed consent for such demanding religious rituals.

He said;

‘’A 10-year-old cannot make an informed decision about accepting a lifelong cultural responsibility. Placing such a burden on Princess Alimot Osunbunmi and celebrating it as “making history” during the Osun-Osogbo Festival is a serious issue about the child’s rights and welfare.

Culture is an important part of our identity, but no tradition should place obligations on a child who is too young to give meaningful consent. Our cultures must evolve with our understanding of children’s rights and dignity. Protecting children should always take precedence over preserving practices that impose responsibilities they cannot freely choose.

A child deserves the freedom to grow, learn, and choose their own path when they are old enough. That is how culture remains both meaningful and humane.”

The young princess was selected to the revered position in March 2025 through traditional Ifa divination. She succeeds the former Arugba, Osuntomi Ewatomi, who retired from the post after a 12-year tenure following her marriage.