The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has suspended the Isikhuan
royal praise singers group over alleged breach of palace rules and Benin
traditional customs.
The suspension followed allegations that the group performed
at the 92nd birthday celebration of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel
Osawaru Igbinedion, at his residence without authorisation from the palace.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Oba, Osaigbovo Iguobaro,
disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City.
According to the statement, the royal praise singers
allegedly breached an ancient Benin taboo “a few days ago” by staging a
traditional performance exclusively reserved for the Oba at the residence of
Chief Igbinedion.
Iguobaro said Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin
Kingdom, conveyed the monarch’s decision during an emergency meeting held at
the palace on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
He said Chief Idah, alongside Chief Ada Igbinovia (Eribo
N’Ibiwe), Chief Imade Osamuyi Amos (Oshodi N’Ibiwe), Chief Enoma Ogiesughe
(Ogiesughe N’Ewaise) and other palace chiefs expressed concern over what they
described as a serious breach of respect for the Benin monarchy.
The palace chiefs also questioned why Chief Igbinedion
permitted the Isikhuan group to perform at his birthday celebration,
considering his long-standing knowledge of, and commitment to, Benin’s sacred
customs and traditions.
The statement further disclosed that the Oba stripped the
leader of the Isikhuan royal praise singers, Juliet Omogui, of her traditional
title, Okao.
Iguobaro explained that the suspension and withdrawal of the
title followed Omogui’s admission of the allegation, which is backed by a viral
video of the performance circulating online.
He added that the palace chiefs directed Omogui to return
the traditional headgear, known as Okuku, in her custody to the palace, pending
further directives from the Oba.
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