Traditional Royal Praise singers (Isikhuan group) at the Palace of the Oba of Benin have been suspended for performing at the residence of the Esama of Benin, High Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion.

They had performed at the Igbinedion home as part of activities making his 92nd birthday.

The public was first alerted with performance of the group for the High Chief via a viral video.

Palace chiefs said the action of the group breached an ancient Benin taboo at the Esama’s residence by staging a traditional performance reserved for the Oba.

The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, also stripped leader of the Isikhuan group, Juliet Omogui, of her traditional title, Okao.

At an emergency meeting presided over by Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin Kingdom, Omogui admitted to the performance by her group at the Esama residence.

She was asked to return the traditional headgear (Okuku) in her custody to the palace pending further directives by the Oba.

Other Chiefs at the meeting were Chief Ada Igbinovia (Eribo N’ Ibiwe), Chief Imade Osamuyi Amos (Oshodi N’ Ibiwe), Chief Enoma Ogiesughe (Ogiesughe N’ Ewaise), and other palace chiefs.

Chief Idah wondered why Chief Igbinedion permitted the Isikhuan group to perform in his honour, despite his deep understanding of Benin’s sacred customs and tradition, which he had vowed to uphold.

This is not the first time Chief Igbinedion would be having issues with the Oba’s Palace over traditional issues. He was suspended in January 2008 for presenting royal beads to visiting King Zulu. Other Chiefs suspended alongside Igbinedion were Chief Sunny Ogbewi, Chief Eduwu Ekhator the Obasogie of Benin amongst others.

Chief Igbinedion publicly apologised to the Oba in December 2008. (The Nation, but headline reworked)