Oba of Benin Suspends Praise Singers for Tradition Breach

The Oba of Benin, His Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku’Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has indefinitely suspended members of the Isikhuan royal praise singers due to an alleged breach of palace rules and Benin traditional customs. This suspension follows an incident where the group performed a traditional act reserved for the Oba at the residence of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, in Edo State.

Juliet Omogui, the leader of the Isikhuan group, was stripped of her traditional title, Okao, after she reportedly admitted to the violation in a widely circulated video. The Oba's Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, stated that Omogui must return the traditional headgear, Okuku, to the palace.

An emergency meeting at the palace, led by Chief Osaro Idah, allowed group members to explain their roles in the incident. The chiefs expressed their displeasure over the disrespect shown to the Benin monarchy and questioned Chief Igbinedion's role in permitting the performance.