The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has suspended the Isikhuan royal praise singers group following an alleged breach of palace rules and Benin traditional customs.
The suspension reportedly followed an unauthorised performance by members of the group at the 92nd birthday celebration of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion.
The birthday celebration was held at Chief Igbinedion’s residence, where the royal praise singers allegedly performed a traditional ceremony said to be exclusively reserved for the Oba of Benin.
The development was disclosed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, in a statement made available to journalists in Benin City.
Royal singers accused of breaching Benin tradition
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According to the statement, the Isikhuan group allegedly violated an ancient Benin taboo by staging the traditional performance outside the palace without authorisation.
The palace described the performance as a serious breach of established customs governing the activities of the royal praise singers.
The statement said the incident occurred “a few days ago” and involved the group performing a traditional rite associated specifically with the Oba.
The palace subsequently suspended the group pending further consideration of the matter.
Performance at Igbinedion’s birthday sparks controversy
The alleged incident occurred during celebrations marking Chief Gabriel Igbinedion’s 92nd birthday.
Igbinedion, widely known as the Esama of Benin Kingdom, is one of Edo State’s most prominent traditional and business figures.
His birthday celebration reportedly attracted family members, friends, associates and prominent personalities.
However, the appearance and performance of the royal praise singers at the event has now generated controversy because of the palace’s claim that they did not have the required approval.
The suspension highlights the importance attached to traditional protocols surrounding the Benin monarchy and activities connected to the royal institution.
Palace reaffirms traditional authority
The action by Oba Ewuare II underscores the palace’s position that traditional performances associated with the monarch must follow established protocols.
Royal praise singers play an important cultural role in Benin ceremonies and are traditionally associated with praising and celebrating the Oba.
Their performances can involve songs, chants and traditional expressions that reflect the history and authority of the Benin monarchy.
The palace’s objection was therefore not simply about the location of the performance but about the alleged use of a traditional performance regarded as exclusive to the Oba.
Who are the Isikhuan royal praise singers?
The Isikhuan royal praise singers are associated with the Benin royal institution and perform traditional praise songs and cultural expressions connected with the palace.
Their role places them within the broader traditional structure surrounding the Oba of Benin.
Because of that connection, members are expected to observe palace directives and established Benin customs when performing at public or private events.
The latest suspension demonstrates the consequences that can arise when those protocols are allegedly breached.
What happens next?
The palace has not indicated how long the suspension will last or whether additional disciplinary measures will follow.
It is also unclear from the initial statement whether the group was invited to Chief Igbinedion’s birthday celebration independently or whether individual members attended without official approval.
The suspension is therefore likely to remain a subject of interest among residents of Benin Kingdom and followers of Edo traditional institutions.
The incident also highlights the delicate balance between public celebrations involving prominent traditional figures and the strict customs surrounding the Benin monarchy.
For now, the palace has made its position clear by suspending the Isikhuan royal praise singers over the alleged unauthorised performance.
The development serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting traditional protocols and the cultural rules governing the Benin royal institution.
As further details emerge, attention will likely focus on whether the palace lifts the suspension or announces additional measures against the group.
