By Jude Ibeh
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has suspended the Isikhuan
royal praise singers group after it allegedly performed at Chief Gabriel
Osawaru Igbinedion’s 92nd birthday celebration without palace approval.
The palace said the performance amounted to a breach of
royal protocol and an ancient Benin taboo involving a traditional performance
reserved exclusively for the monarch.
The incident occurred at the residence of Chief Igbinedion,
the Esama of Benin Kingdom, during celebrations marking his 92nd birthday,
according to a statement issued by the Oba’s Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo
Iguobaro.
The palace described the incident as a serious departure
from established Benin customs and expressed concern over the circumstances
surrounding the performance.
The monarch’s decision was conveyed on Sunday, September 6,
2026, during an emergency meeting at the palace by Chief Osaro Idah, the
Obazelu of Benin Kingdom.
Chief Idah was joined at the meeting by Chief Ada Igbinovia,
Eribo N’Ibiwe; Chief Imade Osamuyi Amos, Oshodi N’Ibiwe; Chief Enoma Ogiesughe,
Ogiesughe N’Ewaise; and other palace chiefs.
The chiefs raised questions about the group’s decision to
stage the performance at Chief Igbinedion’s residence, particularly because of
the cultural significance attached to the act.
They also questioned why Igbinedion allowed the performance
to take place, given his long-standing knowledge of Benin customs and his
commitment to preserving the kingdom’s traditions.
According to the palace, the royal singers had breached an
ancient taboo by carrying out a traditional performance regarded as being
exclusively reserved for the Oba.
The development subsequently led to disciplinary action
against the group and its leader, Juliet Omogui.
Omogui was stripped of her traditional title, Okao,
following the palace’s consideration of the circumstances surrounding the
incident.
Iguobaro said the decision followed Omogui’s admission of
the allegation against the group.
The palace also pointed to a video of the performance that
had circulated widely online, saying the footage provided further evidence of
the incident.
The suspension therefore affects the Isikhuan royal praise
singers as the palace considers the implications of the alleged breach.
The palace chiefs further directed Omogui to return the
traditional headgear, known as Okuku, which was in her possession.
She is expected to surrender the item to the palace pending
further instructions from the Oba.
The palace’s action underscores the importance attached to
royal protocol and traditional boundaries within the Benin Kingdom, where
certain ceremonies, titles, symbols and performances carry specific cultural
meanings.
The incident has also drawn attention to the delicate
relationship between public celebrations and customs that govern traditional
institutions.
For the palace, the issue is not simply about a performance
at a birthday celebration, but about protecting traditions regarded as central
to the authority and identity of the Benin monarchy.
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