Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Sunday, 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 being authorised by the palace.
Chief Press Secretary to the Oba, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, announced this in a statement in Benin City.
The statement said 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.
The statement said Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin Kingdom, conveyed the Oba’s decision during an emergency meeting held at the palace on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
It stated that 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.
