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Strange! Male Priest Carries Sacred Calabash At Osun-Osogbo Festival

Published

5 months ago

August 8, 2025

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.”

Meanwhile, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, in Osun State, Mr. Dotun Babayemi, has called for the preservation of cultural artefacts and relics of the Yoruba race in Nigeria.

Such a move, Babayemi contended, would help to secure the future of the race, especially in the area of the Yoruba language which he lamented, was gradually going into extinction.

In addition, he emphasised that consistent celebration of cultural festivals in Yoruba land would keep the consciousness of their historical backgrounds alive, a development he added, would always assist in fostering unity among the people.

The gubernatorial hopeful who made these known in a release by his media office, congratulated the people of the state, especially the indigenes of Osogbo on the celebration of this year’s annual Osun Osogbo Festival.

“Our culture is our identity and our selling point. , we must all strive to protect and preserve. It’s our common ancestry heritage which separates us from others and this we must keep jealously.

“We need a conscious cultural rebirth that will help to re-engineer and inculcate an enduring belief in our younger generations. More importantly, the celebration of our various cultures links us with the past to foster our unity of today and tomorrow,” he said.
(PUNCH)

News

Oyo Traditional Ruler Suspended Over Alleged Illegal Mining

Published

35 minutes ago

January 6, 2026

Editor

The Oyo State Government has suspended the Sobaloju of Ofiki, Chief Jacob Sobaloju, following allegations linking him to illegal mining activities and breaches of Executive Order 001/2023, which governs mining operations within the state.

The state government said the action was taken to protect the public interest and preserve government-gazetted assets.

In a suspension letter issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Olajire A.M., the traditional ruler was accused of contravening the executive order and forest reserve regulations by allegedly issuing consent letters to mining firms without lawful authorisation.

The letter further alleged that Chief Sobaloju permitted mining activities within government-reserved forest areas and facilitated unauthorised mining operations, actions said to be in violation of extant laws and regulations.

According to the ministry, the monarch was suspended from the palace of the Onitọ of Ito with effect from Monday, January 5, 2026, pending the outcome of investigations.

The suspension was described as a precautionary step to ensure an unhindered and credible investigation process.

The correspondence, titled “Re: Complaint against Chief Sobaloju of Ofiki for violation of State Executive Order, Forest Reserve Regulations and encouraging trespassing of government gazetted assets,” stated that the allegations bordered on violations of Executive Order 001/2023 and unlawful encroachment on state-owned assets.

Chief Sobaloju was also directed to immediately cease all mining-related activities, including the issuance of consent letters, avoid interference with the investigation, and make himself available to investigators whenever required.

The Oyo State Government reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining and related infractions, warning that any individual found culpable would be sanctioned in line with the law.

News

Why I Resigned As CIGM Boss – Arogundade Breaks Silence

Published

16 hours ago

January 5, 2026

Editor

Jubril Arogundade, former senior executive of CIG Motors, has clarified the circumstances surrounding his departure from the company.

He explained that his exit was voluntary and motivated by concerns over corporate governance, not misconduct.

Recall that Arogundade resigned from his position on December 2, 2025, citing persistent issues with internal controls, financial management, and regulatory compliance.

“I resigned from my position at CIG Motors after careful reflection and in line with due process,” he said.

“It is therefore deeply concerning that my voluntary exit has been publicly mischaracterized. My decision was guided by principle and professional responsibility.”

He explained that over a sustained period, he had raised concerns internally about corporate governance gaps, growing debt, and unresolved regulatory obligations but did not see meaningful corrective action.

“As a Nigerian professional, I take governance, compliance, and institutional responsibility very seriously,” Arogundade said.

“When internal efforts to address these matters did not yield results, I chose to resign rather than compromise on standards that I believe are fundamental to sustainable business.”

Addressing reports linking him to financial impropriety, Arogundade said, “I have nothing to hide and welcome any lawful, independent, and objective review of my conduct during my tenure. Contrary to public insinuations, no regulatory or law enforcement agency has contacted me regarding these claims, and I remain fully available to cooperate should any legitimate inquiry arise.”

News

Why Nigeria’s New Tax Law May Not Succeed – CPPE

Published

16 hours ago

January 5, 2026

Editor

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise has said the new tax laws, which began January 1, 2026, may not succeed because they are unfolding under unusually delicate circumstances.

CPPE Executive Chief Officer, Muda Yusuf disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

This comes as DAILY POST reports that new tax laws kicked off despite calls for their suspension.

Commenting, CPPE stressed that the ultimate success or failure of Nigeria’s tax reform will depend far less on its legislative provisions and far more on how it is implemented.

The economic think tank said with 2026 shaping up as a pre-election year, political and social caution is imperative and could impact the implementation of the tax laws.

“Without careful sequencing, political sensitivity, and economic realism, even well-intentioned reforms can trigger resistance, disrupt livelihoods, and further erode public trust,” CPPE said.