The Benin Traditional Council says it has imposed disciplinary measures on Palace staff, a chief, and a queen following what it describes as the unauthorised entry of social media influencer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, into the Oba of Benin’s Palace on Friday, March 6, 2026.
A statement signed by the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor noted that a preliminary investigation by the Council revealed that the influencer and his entourage accessed the Palace without permission, causing embarrassment and a breach of peace within the sacred precincts.
In response, a chief implicated in the incident has been suspended indefinitely, while a palace staff member, Omuemu, has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force and charged to court for abetting the unauthorised entry and causing a disturbance.
A Queen who is involved is now facing serious disciplinary proceedings, which could potentially lead to her removal from the Palace, in line with Benin customs.
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According to the statement, the Council also extended an official invitation to Habeeb Adelaja to appear before a committee of Chiefs to provide his account of the events, but he has so far failed to respond.
The BTC is now publicly demanding that Peller presents himself immediately and tender a written apology to the Palace for the breach. Failure to comply will compel the Council to pursue legal action, with law enforcement already briefed on the matter.
The Benin Traditional Council reiterated its role as the guardian of the Oba’s throne, emphasising that the Palace is a sacred institution governed by centuries of tradition, and warned that attempts to undermine its protocols will be met with decisive corrective measures.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
