Oba of Benin Suspends Royal Singers for Tradition Breach

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has indefinitely suspended the Isikhuan royal praise singers due to an alleged breach of palace tradition. This decision was announced by the chief press secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, in a statement released on Sunday in Benin City.

The singers reportedly performed a traditional act reserved for the monarch at the residence of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, which is considered a violation of an ancient Benin taboo. Following this incident, Juliet Omogui, the leader of the Isikhuan group, was stripped of her traditional title, Okao.

Iguobaro noted that Omogui admitted to the allegations in a viral video and was instructed to return the traditional headgear (Okuku) in her possession to the palace until further directives from the Oba. The announcement of the suspension was communicated by Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin, during an emergency meeting at the palace on Sunday.