Summary: Social media influencer Peller’s unauthorized visit to Oba of Benin’s palace has landed a queen, chief, and palace staff in serious trouble. The Benin Traditional Council is not taking it lightly.
The Benin Traditional Council has come out with strong words, warning that some heads will roll following what they described as a serious desecration of the Oba of Benin’s palace by popular social media influencer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, better known as Peller.
In a statement signed by the council’s Secretary, Frank Irabor, the traditional leaders made it clear that this matter is no joke. According to them, Peller committed a “serious breach of protocol and desecration of the sacred precincts of the Palace” when he stormed the revered palace without proper authorization.
Wetin Happen?
The trouble started on March 6, 2026, when Peller and his entourage allegedly gained unauthorized access to the Oba of Benin’s palace during his nationwide tour. The council said the influencer and his team entered the sacred grounds without the required approval from the palace authorities.
“Mr Adelaja and his entourage entered the palace without the requisite permission… and their subsequent conduct caused significant embarrassment and a breach of the peace within the palace grounds,” the statement read.
The Benin Traditional Council was quick to remind everyone that the palace is not just another tourist attraction or backdrop for social media content. “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,” they emphasized.
Who Go Pay for This Offence?
After their investigation, the council has started taking serious action against everyone involved in the incident. The punishments are no small thing o:
A Chief Don Suspend Indefinitely: One chief linked to the unauthorized visit has been suspended without any timeline for when he might return to duty.
Palace Staff Don Enter Wahala: Mr Omuemu, a palace staff member accused of helping Peller gain access to the restricted areas, has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force and has already been charged to court.
Queen Dey Face Removal: Perhaps the most shocking revelation is that a queen who appeared in the incident is currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings. According to the council, “In accordance with Benin traditions and customs, these proceedings may result in her removal from the palace.” This one na serious matter because removing a queen from the palace is not something they do anyhow.
Peller Refuse to Show Face
The council also revealed that they invited Peller to come and explain himself before a committee of chiefs, but the influencer has refused to honour the invitation.
“Mr Adelaja has failed to honour this invitation… He must tender an unreserved written apology to the palace for his unauthorised access and the embarrassment caused,” the statement stated clearly.
The traditional rulers warned that if Peller continues to avoid them, they will not hesitate to take legal action against him. They have already alerted law enforcement agencies about the matter.
Traditional Council No Dey Play
The Benin Traditional Council used the opportunity to send a strong warning to anyone who thinks they can disrespect the palace and its traditions. They made it clear that under the leadership of Oba Ewuare II, they remain committed to protecting the sacred traditions of the Benin Kingdom.
“While unscrupulous elements may attempt to undermine our sacred institutions… they do so at their peril,” the council declared, adding that they have the capacity to deal with such violations and prevent them from happening again in the future.
Wetin This Mean?
This incident serves as a reminder that no matter how popular you are on social media, traditional institutions and their protocols must be respected. The Benin Kingdom, with its rich history and cultural heritage, takes the sanctity of the Oba’s palace very seriously.
For content creators and influencers planning tours or visits to traditional palaces across Nigeria, this case shows that proper authorization and respect for protocol are not optional – they are mandatory. Social media fame does not give anyone the right to bypass centuries-old traditions and customs.
As this matter continues to unfold, many Nigerians will be watching to see if Peller will finally honour the invitation to appear before the chiefs and tender the required apology, or if the matter will escalate to the courts.
One thing is clear: the Benin Traditional Council is not backing down, and they’ve made it clear that protecting their heritage and traditions is non-negotiable.
What do you think about this matter? Should influencers get special permissions before creating content at traditional palaces? Drop your comments below.
For more information, check buzzUp9ja
Be the first to comment