Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
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 tradition, stripping the group's leader of her traditional title in a dramatic show of authority that has sent shockwaves through the kingdom. The suspension follows a viral video showing the group performing a sacred royal rendition at the residence of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, in what the palace described as a direct violation of an ancient Benin taboo.
According to a statement issued by the Oba's Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the Isikhuan group allegedly performed a traditional ritual exclusively reserved for the Oba at the Esama's residence, which is a serious violation of sacred Benin customs and palace protocol. The leader of the Isikhuan group, Juliet Omogui, who holds the traditional title of Okao, was also stripped of her title and ordered to return the traditional headgear, known as Okuku, to the palace pending further directives from the monarch. The decision was announced during an emergency meeting at the palace on Sunday, September 6, 2026, where members of the Isikhuan group were given an opportunity to explain their involvement in the incident.
At the emergency meeting, the Obazelu of Benin, Chief Osaro Idah, alongside other senior palace chiefs including Chief Ada Igbinovia, Eribo N'Ibiwe; Chief Imade Osamuyi Amos, Oshodi N'Ibiwe; and Chief Enoma Ogiesughe, Ogiesughe N'Ewaise, expressed strong displeasure over what they described as a direct act of disrespect to the Benin monarchy. Chief Idah also questioned why Chief Igbinedion, a senior Benin chief who has consistently pledged to uphold Benin's customs and traditions, allowed the performance to take place in his honour. "It is surprising that Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, who is well versed in the customs and traditions of the Benin Kingdom and has consistently pledged to uphold them, allowed such a performance to be staged in his honour," Idah was quoted as saying.
The suspension of the Isikhuan group comes after the Benin Traditional Council also took action against six palace functionaries over allegations that historical facts about the Benin Kingdom had been distorted, described as a "sacrilegious show of shame and falsehood." The palace has not announced whether the suspension will eventually be lifted or whether additional measures will be taken against those involved. As the indefinite suspension remains in force, the Isikhuan royal praise singers are barred from performing their traditional duties, and Juliet Omogui has been stripped of her title until further notice from the Oba.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments