His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has indefinitely suspended the Isikhuan royal praise singers over an alleged breach of palace rules and ancient Benin tradition.
The group is accused of staging a traditional performance reserved exclusively for the Oba at the residence of Chief Gabriel Osawuaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin.
Palace sources described the performance as a violation of a longstanding Benin taboo. The monarch also stripped the group’s leader, Juliet Omogui, of her traditional title of Okao and directed her to return the traditional headgear, known as Okuku, in her custody to the palace pending further instructions. Omogui had publicly admitted the allegation in a viral video.
The decision was announced by the Obazelu of Benin, Chief Osaro Idah, during an emergency palace meeting on Sunday. Members of the Isikhuan group were given an opportunity to explain their involvement, while several palace chiefs, including Chief Ada Igbinovia, Chief Imade Osamuyi Amos and Chief Enoma Ogiesughe, expressed dismay over what they described as disrespect to the Benin monarchy.
The Isikhuan, also associated with Isekhian or Emehe palace functionaries, traditionally perform praise songs reserved for the Oba during royal ceremonies. Palace authorities consider any unauthorised performance of these rites a serious affront to the sacred order of the Benin Kingdom, with Chief Idah also questioning why Chief Igbinedion allowed the performance despite his knowledge of Benin customs.