Main Reason Why Oba of Benin Suspends Isikhuan Royal Praise Singers

The main reason the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, suspended the Isikhuan Royal Praise Singers was their alleged performance of a traditional royal praise act reserved for the Benin monarch at the 92nd birthday celebration of the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion.

The group performed at Chief Igbinedion’s residence as part of activities marking his birthday, but the Palace considered the performance a breach of an established Benin tradition.

The incident came to public attention after a video showing the traditional praise singers performing for the Esama circulated online.

Palace chiefs subsequently summoned the leader of the group, Juliet Omogui, for an emergency meeting over the incident.

Why the Performance Became an Issue

According to the Palace chiefs, the controversy was not about the Isikhuan group attending a private celebration. The issue was the type of traditional performance they carried out and the person for whom it was performed.

The Palace said the performance was traditionally reserved for the Oba of Benin and should not have been staged in honour of another individual.

The chiefs described the action as a serious breach of Benin customs and an act of disrespect to the institution of the Benin monarchy.

Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin Kingdom, reportedly questioned why the Isikhuan group performed the royal praise act at Chief Igbinedion’s residence, particularly given the Esama’s longstanding knowledge of Benin customs and traditions.

Oba Strips Group Leader of Traditional Title

Following the Palace meeting, Oba Ewuare II also stripped Omogui of her traditional title, Okao.

She was directed to return the traditional headgear, known as the Okuku, which was in her custody, pending further directives from the Oba.

Omogui reportedly admitted during the meeting that her group performed at the birthday celebration.

The suspension of the Isikhuan group and the removal of its leader’s title therefore represent the Palace’s response to what it considers a violation of traditional protocol.

Why Chief Igbinedion’s Birthday Became Controversial

Chief Igbinedion’s 92nd birthday celebration was expected to be a major social occasion, but the traditional performance has now placed the event at the centre of a fresh disagreement involving the Benin Palace.

The development is also notable because Chief Igbinedion has previously had a dispute with the Palace over traditional matters.

In January 2008, he was suspended after presenting royal beads to a visiting Zulu king. He later apologised to the Oba, reaffirming his loyalty to the monarch and the Benin Kingdom.

He was eventually pardoned in June 2012.

The latest incident, however, centres on the Isikhuan singers and the Palace’s position that a traditional royal performance associated with the Oba should not have been performed for another person.

The Palace’s action has consequently placed the preservation of Benin’s traditional protocols at the centre of the controversy.