The Benin Traditional Council has announced that a queen may be removed from the palace for allowing social media personality Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, also known as Peller, to acquire “unauthorized access” to the Oba of Benin’s palace.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by the council’s secretary, Frank Irabor, and distributed to the press on Tuesday.
Peller, who is now on a statewide tour, paid a visit to the palace on March 6 and was met by various royal officials. The Council described the visit as a significant breach of protocol and a disrespect of the palace’s holy surroundings.
According to the statement, Peller has also been called to come before a committee of chiefs to explain his side of the tale.
“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 statement read.
“The council confirms that an individual, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, a social media influencer popularly known as ‘Peller,’ gained unauthorized access to the palace premises on the said date. Adelaja and his entourage entered the palace without the requisite permission from the council, and their subsequent conduct caused significant embarrassment and disrupted the peace within the palace grounds.
“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.”
According to Irabor, a preliminary examination into the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized access has been conducted. Disciplinary action has been taken against palace employees and chiefs who helped enable the occurrence.
A chief involved in the case has been suspended indefinitely, while Mr. Omuemu, a palace staff member, has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force and charged with inciting a breach of the peace and abetting the unlawful entry.
“The council also confirms that a queen featured in the incident is now facing serious disciplinary proceedings, which may result in her removal from the palace,” Irabor added.
The council noted that Peller was invited to appear before a committee of chiefs to explain his actions but has failed to comply. The council is now demanding that he present himself immediately and tender an unreserved written apology to the Palace. Failure to do so could lead to legal action.
“The Benin Traditional Council remains the unwavering custodian of our age-old customs and traditions,” the statement said.
“While unscrupulous elements may occasionally attempt to undermine our sacred institutions, they do so at their peril. The council possesses the institutional tools to correct such infractions and prevent any reoccurrence. We thank the public for supporting the preservation of the sanctity and dignity of the Benin throne.”
