…Withdraws leader’s traditional title, orders return of palace headgear
Daud Olatunji
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has suspended the Isikhuan royal praise singers group for allegedly violating palace rules and sacred Benin traditional customs.
The suspension followed the group’s appearance at the 92nd birthday celebration of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, where the singers reportedly performed a traditional rendition reserved exclusively for the monarch.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Oba, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Benin City on Sunday.
According to the statement, the performance took place at Igbinedion’s residence without authorisation from the palace and amounted to a breach of an ancient Benin taboo.
The palace described the incident as a serious violation of the traditions and dignity of the Benin monarchy.
Iguobaro said the monarch’s decision was conveyed by the Obazelu of Benin Kingdom, Chief Osaro Idah, during an emergency meeting held at the palace on Sunday.
The meeting was attended by several palace chiefs, including Chief Ada Igbinovia, Eribo N’Ibiwe; Chief Imade Osamuyi Amos, Oshodi N’Ibiwe; and Chief Enoma Ogiesughe, Ogiesughe N’Ewaise.
The chiefs reportedly expressed concern over what they described as a serious breach of respect for the Benin monarchy.
They also questioned the circumstances surrounding the performance and why Igbinedion allowed the group to stage the traditional performance at his birthday celebration, given his longstanding knowledge of and commitment to Benin customs and traditions.
The palace said the allegation against the group was further reinforced by a video of the performance which had gone viral on social media.
Following the development, the Oba stripped the leader of the Isikhuan royal praise singers, Juliet Omogui, of her traditional title, Okao.
Iguobaro said the decision followed Omogui’s admission of the allegation.
The palace subsequently directed Omogui to return the traditional headgear, known as Okuku, which was in her custody.
She is to surrender the item to the palace pending further directives from the Oba.
The palace did not disclose whether additional sanctions would be imposed on the group or whether Chief Igbinedion would face any disciplinary action over the incident.
The suspension underscores the palace’s position that traditional institutions and practices governing the Benin Kingdom must be observed by those entrusted with performing roles connected to the monarchy.
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