Oba of Benin suspends Isikhuan praise singers over tradition breach

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has indefinitely suspended the Isikhuan royal praise singers group following an alleged breach of palace rules and ancient Benin traditional customs. The suspension stems from a performance the group staged at the residence of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, during his 92nd birthday celebration.

According to a statement from the Oba’s Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the performance violated a taboo by staging a traditional ceremony that is exclusively reserved for the Oba. The group's leader, Juliet Omogui, has been stripped of her traditional title, Okao, and has been ordered to return the traditional headgear, known as Okuku, to the palace.

During an emergency meeting held at the palace, several palace chiefs expressed displeasure over the incident, describing it as a serious act of disrespect toward the monarchy. The chiefs also questioned why Chief Igbinedion permitted the performance, given his long-standing commitment to Benin’s sacred traditions. The decision follows a video of the performance that circulated widely on social media, in which Omogui reportedly admitted to the allegations.