The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, indefinitely suspends the Isikhuan royal praise singers after allegations that the group performed at Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion’s 92nd birthday celebration without palace authorisation. The Oba’s palace cites a breach of Benin traditional customs and palace rules, following claims that the singers violated an ancient taboo by staging a traditional performance at Igbinedion’s residence.
According to statements attributed to the Oba’s office, the decision is conveyed after an emergency meeting at the palace. Palace chiefs also question how Igbinedion, described as long familiar with Benin sacred customs, allowed the performance to take place. The suspension includes withdrawing the singers’ traditional title from the group’s leader, Juliet Omogui, and directing her to return the traditional headgear (Okuku) to the palace.
All outlets frame the matter as a palace-led disciplinary action based on alleged misconduct connected to a viral video of the performance. Sources differ mainly in the level of detail provided, including naming specific palace officials who attended the meeting and describing the timing (“a few days ago” and the meeting held on Sunday, September 6, 2026).
