Rita Ememuru, Reporting
BENIN CITY, Edo State – His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has taken the extraordinary step of indefinitely suspending the Isikhuan royal praise singers, following allegations of a grave breach of palace protocol and ancient Benin tradition.
The group stands accused of performing a sacred ceremonial chant, traditionally reserved exclusively for the monarch, at the residence of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, during his recent birthday celebrations.
Palace insiders have described the act as a flagrant violation of a longstanding taboo, undermining the sacred order of the Benin Kingdom.
Leader Stripped of Title
In a move signalling the monarchy’s unwavering stance on protocol, Oba Ewuare II personally ordered the immediate stripping of the group’s leader, Juliet Omogui, of her traditional title of Okao.
Ms Omogui has reportedly admitted to the breach, footage of which has circulated widely on social media.
The severity of the palace’s displeasure was further underscored by a directive for Ms Omogui to surrender the traditional headgear (Okuku) in her possession to the palace, pending further instructions from the monarch.
Emergency Palace Meeting
The decision was formally conveyed by the Obazelu of Benin, Chief Osaro Idah, during an emergency meeting at the palace on Sunday.
Members of the Isikhuan group were summoned to provide an account of their actions, though the palace has deemed their explanations insufficient.
The monarch’s Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, confirmed the suspension in a statement, noting that the palace chiefs were unanimous in expressing their dismay at what they considered a “height of disrespect” to the Benin monarchy.
Esama’s Role Questioned
In a pointed rebuke, palace chiefs questioned why Chief Igbinedion had permitted the performance to go ahead at his residence, given his profound and long-standing knowledge of Benin’s sacred customs.
Sources indicate the chiefs view his acceptance of the performance as a tacit endorsement of a grave infraction, despite his previous vows to uphold the kingdom’s traditions.
The suspension of the Isikhuan group serves as a stark reminder of the enduring sanctity of Benin palace traditions and the severe consequences that await those who overstep their bounds.
