The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has suspended indefinitely the Isikhuan royal praise singers and stripped the group’s leader, Juliet Omogui, of her traditional title over an alleged violation of palace tradition.
Omogui, who held the title of Okao, was also ordered to return the Okuku, a traditional headgear in her possession, to the palace pending further directives from the monarch.
The sanctions followed a traditional performance allegedly staged by the Isikhuan group at the residence of the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, in Edo State.
The performance, according to palace sources, involved praise songs and rites traditionally reserved for the Oba during royal ceremonies.
The palace considered the act a breach of longstanding Benin customs and an affront to the authority of the Benin monarchy.
The decision was announced by the Obazelu of Benin, Chief Osaro Idah, during an emergency meeting at the palace on Sunday.
The affected members of the group were reportedly allowed to explain their roles in the incident before the palace chiefs announced the sanctions.
Idah was joined at the meeting by Chief Ada Igbinovia, Eribo N’Ibiwe; Chief Imade Osamuyi Amos, Oshodi N’Ibiwe; Chief Enoma Ogiesughe, Ogiesughe N’Ewaise; and other palace chiefs.
The chiefs reportedly expressed concern over what they described as a serious breach of the customs governing royal praise performances in the Benin Kingdom.
Omogui had earlier admitted to participating in the performance in a video that has since gone viral.
The palace subsequently directed her to surrender the Okuku in her custody while awaiting further instructions from Oba Ewuare II.
Chief Idah also questioned why Igbinedion accepted the performance, given his longstanding knowledge of Benin traditions.
He reportedly noted that the Esama had previously pledged to uphold the customs and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.
The Isikhuan, also referred to in some contexts as Isekhian or Emehe palace functionaries, are traditionally associated with praise songs and performances during royal ceremonies.
Such performances, palace authorities maintain, are not ordinary entertainment but part of the traditional order surrounding the Benin monarchy.
The controversy has therefore drawn attention to the strict boundaries surrounding royal rites and titles in the Benin Kingdom.
The palace’s action underscores its position that traditional performances reserved for the Oba cannot be replicated or performed elsewhere without proper authority.
The suspension of the group and withdrawal of Omogui’s title are expected to remain in force until the palace issues further directives.
