The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II has suspended the Isikhuan royal praise singers ensemble over alleged violations of palace regulations and customs.
The suspension followed allegations that the group performed at Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion’s 92nd birthday celebration at his residence without palace approval.
Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the Oba’s Chief Press Secretary, disclosed this in a statement issued to reporters in Benin City.
The statement said the royal praise singers violated an old Benin taboo “a few days ago” by performing a customary ceremony at Chief Igbinedion’s residence that palace tradition reserves exclusively for the Oba.
Iguobaro stated that Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin Kingdom, conveyed the monarch’s resolution during an emergency palace meeting on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
He added that Chief Idah, alongside Chief Ada Igbinovia (Eribo N’Ibiwe), Chief Imade Osamuyi Amos (Oshodi N’Ibiwe), Chief Enoma Ogiesughe (Ogiesughe N’Ewaise), and several other palace chiefs, voiced deep concern over what they characterized as a severe act of disrespect toward the Benin monarch.
Furthermore, the chiefs expressed surprise that Chief Igbinedion permitted the Isikhuan group to perform at his birthday celebration, questioning how such a breach occurred despite his long-standing familiarity with and commitment to Benin’s sacred customs and heritage.
The statement also said Oba Ewuare II stripped Juliet Omogui, head of the Isikhuan royal praise singers, of her customary title, Okao.
Iguobaro said Omogui’s acceptance of the allegation, supported by a widely circulated video of the performance, prompted the Oba to suspend the group and remove her title.
He added that palace chiefs instructed Omogui to return the traditional headgear, known as Okuku, to the palace until the Oba issues further directives.
Backstory…
The incident is significant because Igbinedion is himself a prominent figure in Benin history and has maintained a longstanding relationship with the traditional institution.
The Esama, a respected Benin businessman and philanthropist, has for decades been an influential figure in Edo State, making the appearance of palace praise singers at his celebration noteworthy.
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