Osogbo Priestess Defends 10-Year-Old Arugba Role Amid Child Protection Concerns
The appointment of a 10 year old girl as the Arugba at the 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival has brought child protection to the fore, cultural traditions and the protection needed when children participate in major religious and cultural practices.
The young girl was chosen by Ifa divination in March 2025 to be the next Ataoja of Osogbo. This year, she was said to be too young to perform the role at the last festival, and so she carried the sacred calabash to the Osun Sacred Grove during this year’s festival procession.
The tradition was defended by the Araba of Osogbo, Ifáyemí Elébuibón, who said that the position was a privilege and that it was not a matter of biological age but of spiritual maturity. A priestess and cultural custodian also backed the practice, claiming the Arugba was traditionally chosen from the royal family and is safeguarded by cultural norms.
But when a child is involved in a role with spiritual responsibilities, there are important safeguarding issues to consider. Child protection does not involve the rejection of cultural traditions, but it does involve the protection of children in cultural traditions from harm, coercion, exploitation and undue pressure.
Wellbeing should therefore be a key consideration throughout the child’s involvement. This means that she should be able to share her opinions, receive a fair education and development, and have suitable adults and safeguarding systems in place to keep her safe.
The debate also highlights the importance of respectful dialogue between cultural custodians and child protection stakeholders. Cultural identity and children’s rights are not mutually exclusive, as traditions involving children can be carried out with appropriate safeguards and in the best interests of the child.
