Benin queen, others risk expulsion over Peller’s unauthorised palace visit

The Benin Traditional Council on Tuesday said that the Queen, who allowed streamer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly called Peller, to gain unauthorised access into the palace faces possible removal from the palace.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary of the BTC, Frank Irabor, and made available to journalists.

Peller, who is currently on a nationwide tour, visited the Oba of Benin palace on March 6, where he was received by some officials of the palace.

According to the statement, the council viewed the visit as a serious breach of protocol and a desecration of the sacred precincts of the palace.

The council has also extended an invitation to Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs to state his side of the story

The statement read, “The Benin Traditional Council wishes to address the public regarding a serious breach of protocol and desecration of the sacred precincts of the Palace, which occurred on Friday, March 6, 2026.

“The council confirms that an individual, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, a social media influencer popularly known as “Peller,” gained unauthorised access to the palace premises on the said date.

Mr Adelaja and his entourage entered the palace without the requisite permission from the council, and their subsequent conduct caused significant embarrassment and a breach of the peace within the palace grounds.

“The Benin Traditional Council views this incident with the utmost gravity. The palace is not a public thoroughfare or a location for frivolous content creation; it is the ancient and spiritual seat of the Oba of Benin, governed by centuries of tradition, custom, and sacred protocols.”

Irabor said that the council has conducted a preliminary investigation into the circumstances that allowed this unauthorised access.

He said that stringent disciplinary measures have been taken against palace staff and chiefs who aided this mischievous act. Specifically, a chief who was implicated in the incident has been suspended indefinitely from the palace.

He added, “A staff member of the Benin Traditional Council, identified as Mr Omuemu, has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force. He has been charged in court for causing a breach of the peace and abetting the unauthorised entry.

“Furthermore, it is with deep regret that the council confirms that a Queen of the palace who was unfortunately featured in the incident is now facing serious disciplinary proceedings. In accordance with Benin traditions and customs, these proceedings may result in her removal from the palace.

“Following the incident, the council, utilising the same channels within the palace that facilitated the initial entry, extended an invitation to Mr Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja (Peller). He was requested to appear before a committee of chiefs tasked with investigating the matter to provide his own side of the story. Regrettably, Mr Adelaja has failed to honour this invitation.

The council is therefore using this public medium to demand that Mr Adelaja presents himself immediately to the relevant authorities within the council. His unapproved visit has caused untold distress to many people, and as such, he must tender an unreserved written apology to the palace for his unauthorised access and the embarrassment caused.

“Failure to comply with this directive will leave the council with no option but to pursue legal action. The appropriate law enforcement agencies have been duly informed of this matter and are standing by to take necessary action against him.

“The Benin Traditional Council assures the public and the entire Benin nation that it remains the unwavering custodian of our age-old customs and traditions. While unscrupulous elements may occasionally attempt to undermine our sacred institutions, banking on the fatherly and forgiving disposition of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, they do so at their peril.

“The council wishes to state unequivocally that it possesses the institutional tools to immediately correct such infractions and prevent any recurrence.

“We thank the public for their concern and support in preserving the sanctity and dignity of the Benin throne.”

Culled from punch