Oba Ewuare II of the Benin Kingdom has indefinitely suspended the Isikhuan royal praise singers after the group allegedly performed a ritual reserved exclusively for the monarch at the Benin residence of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, in Edo State. The palace also stripped the group's leader, Juliet Omogui, who holds the traditional title of Okao, of her title and ordered her to return the sacred headgear known as Okuku to the palace.
Alleged Breach of Sacred Benin Customs
The incident reportedly occurred a few days before the palace's emergency response on Sunday, September 6, 2026. According to the Oba's Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Omogui publicly admitted to the allegation in a video that circulated on social media. Iguobaro made this known in a statement issued on Sunday, September 6, 2026, as reported by Vanguard.
The palace described the group's action as a serious violation of sacred Benin customs and palace protocol. The performance of a royal-exclusive ritual at Chief Igbinedion's residence was deemed an ancient Benin taboo, and the palace expressed strong displeasure at what it called a direct act of disrespect to the Benin monarchy.
Emergency Palace Meeting and Verdict
The Oba's decision was announced by the Obazelu of Benin, Chief Osaro Idah, at an emergency meeting convened at the palace on Sunday. Members of the Isikhuan group were given the chance to speak and explain their individual roles in the incident before the verdict was delivered.
According to the palace statement, Chief Idah was joined by Chief Ada Igbinovia, Eribo N'Ibiwe; Chief Imade Osamuyi Amos, Oshodi N'Ibiwe; Chief Enoma Ogiesughe, Ogiesughe N'Ewaise; and other senior palace chiefs. All expressed strong displeasure at the group's actions.
Chief Igbinedion Questioned
Chief Idah also questioned why Chief Igbinedion, a senior chief who has sworn to uphold Benin's customs and traditions, allowed the performance to take place in his honour in the first place. The palace appeared to hold him equally accountable for not preventing the breach.
The suspension remains in force indefinitely, with the palace yet to indicate when or whether a review of the group's status will take place.
Related Suspension of Palace Aides
Meanwhile, Legit.ng also reported that the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) suspended six traditional functionaries of the Palace of the Oba of Benin. The palace aides were suspended from performing their traditional roles over the distortion of historical facts. The action of the suspended palace aides was described as a “sacrilegious show of shame and falsehood against the Benin tradition and custom.”
