Benin Queen Faces Expulsion Over Peller’s Unauthorised Palace Visit

The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has said a queen of the Benin Palace risks expulsion following the unauthorised visit of popular streamer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as Peller.

The council disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its secretary, Frank Irabor, describing the incident as a “serious breach of protocol” and a desecration of the sacred palace environment.

LEADERSHIP reports that Peller, who is currently on a nationwide tour, had visited the palace of the revered Oba Ewuare II on March 6, where he was reportedly received by some palace officials.

According to the BTC, the influencer and his entourage gained entry into the palace without the required authorisation, an act the council said caused “significant embarrassment” and disrupted the peace within the palace grounds.

“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 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 council stressed that the palace is a sacred institution governed by centuries-old traditions and not a venue for casual visits or social media content creation

“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,” the statement added.

Following a preliminary investigation, the BTC said disciplinary actions had been taken against those found culpable in facilitating the visit.

A chief allegedly involved in the incident has been suspended indefinitely, while a council staff member identified as Omuemu has been detained by the police and charged to court for allegedly aiding the unauthorised entry.

“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,” Irabor stated.

The council also confirmed that a queen who appeared in the controversial visit is currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings that could lead to her removal from the palace.

“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,” the statement noted.

The BTC said it had invited Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs but lamented that he had failed to honour the invitation.

“Following the incident, the council… extended an invitation to Mr Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja (Peller)… to provide his own side of the story. Regrettably, Mr Adelaja has failed to honour this invitation,” the council said.

The council has now issued a public directive demanding the influencer’s immediate appearance and an unreserved written apology.

“The council is therefore using this public medium to demand that Mr Adelaja presents himself immediately… 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 statement warned.

Reaffirming its role as custodian of Benin customs and traditions, the council warned against any attempts to undermine the sanctity of the palace.

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