The Oba of Benin, His Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku’Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has indefinitely suspended the Isikhuan royal praise singers over an alleged breach of palace rules and Benin tradition.
The suspension was reportedly ordered by the Benin Palace following concerns over conduct said to be inconsistent with established palace protocols and the customs of the Benin Kingdom. The Isikhuan praise singers are traditionally associated with royal ceremonies and the praise of the Oba.
The group is accused of staging a traditional performance reserved exclusively for the Oba at the residence of Chief Gabriel Osawuaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, in Edo State.
Palace sources described the act as a violation of a longstanding Benin taboo.
Oba Ewuare II also stripped the group’s leader, Juliet Omogui, of her traditional title of Okao.
The development has drawn attention to the importance of respecting the rules, customs and traditions governing activities within the Benin Palace. The indefinite suspension means the royal praise singers will remain barred from palace activities until further notice.
The Isikhuan (also associated with Isekhian or Emehe palace functionaries) traditionally perform praise songs reserved for the Oba during royal ceremonies.
Palace authorities view any unauthorized performance of these rites as a serious affront to the sacred order of the Benin Kingdom.
