Ecstasy as Arugba leads Osun procession with sacred votary

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By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

OSOGBO — There was excitement among worshippers and participants at the Osun-Osogbo Festival as the Arugba, Osunbunmi Moradeke, led the annual procession into the Osun Sacred Grove with the sacred votary for the first time since her selection two years ago.

Moradeke was selected through the Ifa divination process in 2025 following the retirement of the previous Arugba after she got married.

However, Moradeke’s physical condition prevented her from carrying the sacred votary during last year’s festival, with the responsibility instead performed by the Baba Osun.