The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has suspended the Isikhuan royal praise singers group over an 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 journalists in Benin City.
According to the statement, the royal praise singers allegedly breached an ancient Benin taboo by staging a traditional performance exclusively reserved for the Oba at Chief Igbinedion’s residence.
Iguobaro said the monarch’s decision was conveyed by the Obazelu of Benin Kingdom, Chief Osaro Idah, during an emergency meeting held at the palace on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
He said Chief Idah, alongside other palace chiefs, including Chief Ada Igbinovia, Eribo N’Ibiwe; Chief Imade Osamuyi Amos, Oshodi N’Ibiwe; and Chief Enoma Ogiesughe, Ogiesughe N’Ewaise, expressed concern over what they described as a serious breach of respect for the Benin monarchy.
The palace chiefs also questioned why Chief Igbinedion allowed the Isikhuan group to perform at his birthday celebration, given his longstanding 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 of the group and withdrawal of Omogui’s title followed her admission of the allegation, which was also supported 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.
