The Oba of Benin, His Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku’Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has indefinitely suspended the Isikhuan royal praise singers over an alleged breach of palace rules and Benin traditional customs.
The suspension followed an alleged violation of an ancient Benin taboo after members of the group reportedly staged a traditional performance said to be exclusively reserved for the Oba at the residence of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, in Edo State.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Oba’s Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, and conveyed by the Obazelu of Benin, Chief Osaro Idah, during an emergency meeting at the palace on Sunday.
The palace also stripped the leader of the Isikhuan group, Juliet Omogui, of her traditional title, Okao. She was further directed to return the traditional headgear known as Okuku, which was in her custody, to the palace pending further directives from the monarch.
According to the palace statement, Omogui had publicly admitted to the alleged breach in a video that circulated on social media.
Members of the Isikhuan group were given an opportunity during the emergency meeting to explain their individual involvement and roles in the incident before the palace announced the disciplinary measures.
Chief Idah, alongside other palace chiefs, expressed displeasure over what was described as disrespect to the Benin monarchy and a violation of established customs and traditions.
The palace also questioned why Chief Igbinedion permitted the performance at his residence despite his longstanding knowledge of Benin’s sacred customs and traditions and his commitment to upholding them.
The suspension remains indefinite, with the palace yet to announce any specific period for its review.
The action underscores the importance placed on traditional protocols within the Benin Kingdom, particularly practices and ceremonies regarded as exclusive to the Oba and the institution of the Benin monarchy.
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