Oba of Benin suspends royal singers over breach of palace tradition

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has suspended indefinitely the Isikhuan royal praise singers for allegedly staging a traditional performance exclusively reserved for the monarch at the residence of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin.

The decision was made public by the chief press secretary to the Oba of Benin, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, in a statement issued on Sunday in Benin City.

Iguobaro said the group allegedly breached an ancient Benin taboo a few days ago by performing the traditional act at the residence of Chief Igbinedion.

He said the Oba also stripped the leader of the Isikhuan group, Juliet Omogui, of her traditional title, Okao, following the alleged breach.

Iguobaro stated that Omogui publicly admitted to the allegation in a viral video and was subsequently directed to return the traditional headgear (Okuku), in her custody to the palace pending further directives from the Oba.

He stated that the monarch’s decision was conveyed by the Obazelu of Benin, Chief Osaro Idah, during an emergency meeting held at the palace on Sunday.