The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has suspended the Isikhuan royal praise singers group over an alleged breach of palace rules and Benin traditional customs.
The suspension followed allegations that the group performed at the 92nd birthday celebration of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, at his residence without authorisation from the palace.
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 royal praise singers allegedly violated an ancient Benin taboo by staging a traditional performance said to be exclusively reserved for the Oba at Igbinedion’s residence.
Iguobaro said the decision to suspend the group was conveyed by the Obazelu of Benin Kingdom, Chief Osaro Idah, during an emergency meeting held at the palace on Sunday.
He said Idah, alongside other palace chiefs, including Chief Ada Igbinovia, Eribo N’Ibiwe; Chief Imade Osamuyi Amos, Oshodi N’Ibiwe; and Chief Enoma Ogiesughe, Ogiesughe N’Ewaise, expressed concern over what they described as a serious breach of respect for the Benin monarchy.
The palace chiefs also questioned why Igbinedion allowed the Isikhuan group to perform at his birthday celebration, given his long-standing knowledge of, and commitment to, Benin customs and traditions.
The statement further disclosed that Oba Ewuare II had withdrawn the traditional title of the leader of the Isikhuan royal praise singers, Juliet Omogui.
Omogui, who was stripped of the title Okao, was also directed to return the traditional headgear, known as Okuku, in her custody to the palace.
Iguobaro said the suspension and withdrawal of the title followed Omogui’s admission of the allegation, which was also supported by a viral video of the performance circulating online.
He added that the palace chiefs directed Omogui to return the Okuku to the palace pending further directives from the Oba.
The palace maintained that the action was taken to uphold the sanctity of Benin traditional institutions, customs and practices.