Oba of Benin suspends royal praise singers over performance at Igbinedion’s birthday

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has suspended the Isikhuan royal praise singers group over alleged breach of palace rules and Benin traditional customs.

The suspension followed allegations that the group performed at the 92nd birthday celebration of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, at his residence without authorisation from the palace.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Oba, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City.

According to the statement, the royal praise singers allegedly breached an ancient Benin taboo “a few days ago” by staging a traditional performance exclusively reserved for the Oba at the residence of Chief Igbinedion.

Iguobaro said Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin Kingdom, conveyed the monarch’s decision during an emergency meeting held at the palace on Sunday, September 6, 2026.

He said Chief Idah, alongside Chief Ada Igbinovia (Eribo N’Ibiwe), Chief Imade Osamuyi Amos (Oshodi N’Ibiwe), Chief Enoma Ogiesughe (Ogiesughe N’Ewaise) and other palace chiefs expressed concern over what they described as a serious breach of respect for the Benin monarchy.

The palace chiefs also questioned why Chief Igbinedion permitted the Isikhuan group to perform at his birthday celebration, considering his long-standing knowledge of, and commitment to, Benin’s sacred customs and traditions.

The statement further disclosed that the Oba stripped the leader of the Isikhuan royal praise singers, Juliet Omogui, of her traditional title, Okao.

Iguobaro explained that the suspension and withdrawal of the title followed Omogui’s admission of the allegation, which is backed by a viral video of the performance circulating online.

He added that the palace chiefs directed Omogui to return the traditional headgear, known as Okuku, in her custody to the palace, pending further directives from the Oba.