The decision by Oba Ewuare II of the Benin Kingdom to indefinitely suspend the Isikhuan royal praise singers stems from a serious breach of palace rules, protocols, and ancient traditional customs.
The controversy unfolded following a performance by the royal praise-singing group at the residence of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, during his birthday celebrations.
Key aspects of the development include:
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The Violation: The Isikhuan group reportedly performed a traditional ritual and style of praise-singing that is strictly and exclusively reserved for the Oba of Benin. According to the Benin Palace, rendering this performance in honor of any other individual violates an ancient custom and taboo.
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Sanctions on Leadership: The group’s leader, Juliet Omogui (who held the traditional title of Okao), publicly admitted to the incident in a viral video. Following an emergency meeting called by the palace chiefs, the Oba stripped her of her traditional title and ordered her to return the sacred Okuku headgear to the palace.
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The Palace’s Stance: Senior palace chiefs—led by the Obazelu of Benin, Chief Osaro Idah—expressed deep displeasure over the action, viewing it as a direct act of disrespect toward the Benin monarchy. The palace also questioned why Chief Igbinedion, a senior chief expected to uphold kingdom traditions, allowed the exclusive performance to take place at his residence.
The indefinite suspension highlights the strict adherence to protocol and preservation of traditional boundaries enforced by the Benin royal court.
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
Historical tensions and clashes between the Benin Palace and Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, largely center on adherence to palace protocol, traditional boundaries, and the preservation of royal customs. Notable points of friction during the reign of the previous monarch, Oba Erediauwa, included:
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The 2007–2008 Parallel Ceremony and High Chief Suspensions: A major crisis erupted when several prominent palace high chiefs chose to attend a ceremony at Chief Igbinedion’s residence instead of participating in the traditional Ugie Ewere ceremony held at the Oba’s palace on New Year’s Day. The palace viewed this participation in a parallel event as a breach of tradition, leading to the indefinite suspension of the involved chiefs.
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Protocol and Traditional Entitlements: The palace previously expressed displeasure over actions perceived as encroaching on exclusive royal privileges. This included controversies regarding the hosting of visiting dignitaries and the conferring of traditional honors or items (such as specific royal beads) that tradition dictates are strictly reserved for the Oba.
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Resolution and Reconciliation: Despite these historic frictions and periods of intense public debate, previous disputes were typically addressed through traditional internal trials, council reviews, and formal apologies before relationships were managed or restored within the framework of the kingdom.