ISIKHUAN GROUP SUSPENDED FOR STAGING OBA-ONLY PERFORMANCE AT PRIVATE EVENT
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By: Muftau Fatimo
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has suspended the Isikhuan royal praise singers for allegedly violating palace rules and Benin traditional customs.
The action followed claims that the group staged a performance at the 92nd birthday celebration of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, held at his residence without authorisation from the palace.
Chief Press Secretary to the Oba, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, announced the decision in a statement released in Benin City. According to the statement, the praise singers breached an ancient Benin taboo by performing a traditional routine reserved exclusively for the Oba.
Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin Kingdom, conveyed the monarch’s ruling during an emergency palace meeting on Sunday, September 6, 2026. He was joined by Chief Ada Igbinovia (Eribo N’Ibiwe), Chief Imade Osamuyi Amos (Oshodi N’Ibiwe), Chief Enoma Ogiesughe (Ogiesughe N’Ewaise) and other palace chiefs, who described the incident as a serious show of disrespect to the Benin monarchy.
The chiefs also questioned why Chief Igbinedion, known for his deep knowledge of and commitment to Benin customs, allowed the performance at his event.
The Oba further stripped the group’s leader, Juliet Omogui, of her traditional title of Okao. Iguobaro stated that the suspension and title withdrawal followed Omogui’s admission of the allegation, which is supported by a viral video of the performance circulating online. The palace chiefs directed her to return the traditional headgear, known as Okuku, to the palace pending further instructions from the Oba.
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