The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, has imposed significant penalties on six palace functionaries following an incident involving misrepresentation at a royal event involving the Ooni of Ife.

The sanctions, confirmed by a statement from the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba, Osaigbovo Iguobaro.

The six individuals—Johnbull Igbinosun, Iduhonre Ihogbe, S.E. Aigbiremwen, Efesieoghoba Ogbelaka, Ogbeide Osagie, and Osamudiame—were previously suspended and have now been barred from participating in any palace activities.

This decision comes after they allegedly presented themselves as emissaries of the Oba during an event at the Ooni of Ife’s palace in Osun State, where they provided what was described as a “disjointed account” of the historical ties between the Benin and Ife royal dynasties.

The Benin Traditional Council condemned this action as a “sacrilegious show of shame and falsehood against the Benin custom.”

Initially suspended by Chief Sam Igbe, the Iyase of Benin, in a letter dated April 26, the individuals faced further scrutiny and disciplinary action following a thorough investigation led by Chief Ekhoerovbiye Oviasogie, the Uwangue of Benin.

According to the statement from Iguobaro, the disciplinary measures imposed on the functionaries include the stripping of their royal beads, revocation of their recognition as palace functionaries, and the forfeiture of any traditional titles. Symbolically, these titles and privileges were returned to the ancestors.

In addition to these penalties, the individuals are prohibited from representing the Benin Palace or participating in any traditional rites within the kingdom.