Oba of Benin Suspends Royal Praise Singers Over Igbinedion’s Birthday Performance
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has suspended the Isikhuan royal praise singers following an alleged violation of palace rules and Benin traditional customs.
The decision came after the group reportedly performed at the 92nd birthday celebration of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, at his residence without obtaining approval from the palace.
The Oba’s Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, disclosed the development in a statement issued to journalists in Benin City.
According to the statement, the Isikhuan group allegedly performed a traditional praise performance said to be exclusively reserved for the Oba of Benin, an act the palace described as a breach of an ancient Benin custom.
The monarch’s decision was communicated during an emergency palace meeting held on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin Kingdom, conveyed the decision alongside other palace chiefs, including Chief Ada Igbinovia, Chief Imade Osamuyi Amos and Chief Enoma Ogiesughe.
The chiefs expressed concern over the incident, describing it as a serious violation of the respect traditionally accorded to the Benin monarchy.
They also questioned why Chief Igbinedion allowed the royal praise singers to perform at his birthday celebration despite his long-standing familiarity with Benin customs and traditions.
The palace further announced that the leader of the Isikhuan royal praise singers, Juliet Omogui, had been stripped of her traditional title of Okao.
According to Iguobaro, the action followed Omogui’s admission concerning the performance, which was also captured in a video that has circulated widely online.
The palace chiefs subsequently directed Omogui to return the traditional headgear known as the Okuku to the palace while awaiting further instructions from the Oba.
