The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has suspended the Isikhuan royal praise singers group for allegedly breaching palace rules and Benin traditional customs by performing at the 92nd birthday celebration of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Oba, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Benin City on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
According to the statement, the group staged a traditional performance exclusively reserved for the Oba at Chief Igbinedion’s residence without authorisation from the palace. The palace described the act as a breach of an ancient Benin taboo.
Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin Kingdom, conveyed the monarch’s decision during an emergency meeting held at the palace on Sunday. He was joined 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 expressed concern over what they termed a serious breach of respect for the Benin monarchy. They also questioned why Chief Igbinedion, who has long-standing knowledge of and commitment to Benin’s sacred customs and traditions, allowed the Isikhuan group to perform in his honour.
The Oba further stripped the group’s leader, Juliet Omogui, of her traditional title of Okao. The suspension and title withdrawal followed Omogui’s admission of the allegation, which was supported by a viral video of the performance circulating online.
Palace chiefs directed Omogui to return the traditional headgear known as Okuku, which is in her custody, to the palace pending further directives from the Oba.
The development underscores the Benin Traditional Council’s continued efforts to uphold strict protocols surrounding royal privileges and sacred customs in the kingdom.
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