Benin Queen, palace officials face possible removal after Peller’s unauthorised visit

The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has warned of possible sanctions against a palace queen over the unauthorised entry of streamer Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, into the Oba of Benin’s palace.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the BTC Secretary, Frank Irabor, the council described the incident as a serious breach of palace protocol and a violation of the sanctity of the revered institution.

Peller, who is currently on a nationwide tour, reportedly visited the palace on March 6 and was received by some palace officials. However, the council faulted the process through which he gained access, insisting it did not comply with established procedures.

According to the BTC, the development amounts to a desecration of the palace, stressing that such actions would not be condoned.

The council disclosed that the queen alleged to have facilitated the visit may face removal from the palace, subject to the outcome of ongoing internal deliberations.

It also directed Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs to provide a full account of the circumstances surrounding his visit.

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 the council had carried out a preliminary investigation into how the unauthorised access occurred.

He added that strict disciplinary actions had been imposed on palace staff and chiefs involved in the act, noting that a chief found culpable has been placed on indefinite suspension 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.

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“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.”