This year’s annual Osun-Osogbo Cultural Festival witnessed a little adjustment in proceedings as a male carried the symbolic white calabash called ‘Igba Osun’, a duty usually performed by a votary maid.
In March this year, a new Arugba Osun by the name, Alimot Osunbunmi was selected.
The role is played by a female virgin from the royal family in the town that must have been chosen by the Ifa oracle.
Osunbunmi replaced Osuntomi Ewatomilola, who performed the duty for about 12 years.
She exited the role following her marriage last year August, shortly after concluding the year’s duty as Arugba Osun.
Sources close to Ile Osun, located inside the Ataoja’s palace, that craved anonymity however, said the Osun Chief Priest, identified simply as Adesina carried the calabash rather than giving it to Osunbunmi, who was performing the duty for the first time.
When the procession that accompanied Arugba arrived at Osun grove, Adesina was the one who carried the calabash, while Osunbunmi walked in front of them.
The procession was heavily guarded by soldiers, DSS and operatives.
It could not be immediately ascertained why the votary maid did not carry the calabash, as it is usually done.
But a traditionalist, Olawale Osunfemi, while explaining the possible cause, said “It is not unusual. The likely reason may be due to the strength of the new Arugba.
“She is still a kid. Most probably, her strength could not cope with the weight of items for sacrifice to the river goddess that are put in the calabash.”
He continued, “She will grow up and begin to perform that function before long. It is a duty that is spiritually and physically demanding.”
Punch