Peller breaks silence on Benin palace controversy, N395m lawsuit

TikTok creator and streamer, Hamzat Habeeb Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, has publicly addressed two major controversies surrounding him, maintaining that he is not personally responsible and emphasising his innocence in both matters.

One issue involves his unauthorised visit to the palace of Oba Ewuare II in Benin City on March 6, 2026, during his nationwide tour.

On Tuesday, the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) condemned the incident as a serious breach of protocol and desecration of the sacred palace grounds, noting that Peller and his entourage entered without official permission, causing embarrassment and disruption.

This led to disciplinary actions against palace officials: indefinite suspension of an implicated chief, detention and court charges against a staff member, Mr. Omuemu, by the Nigeria Police, and ongoing proceedings against a queen who appeared in related content, which could result in her removal from the palace per Benin customs.

The BTC has summoned Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs to provide an explanation and issue a written apology, warning of potential legal consequences if ignored.

In his livestream clarification, Peller stated that he visited only at his manager’s instruction and was unaware of any protocol issues until informed.

He insisted he behaved respectfully, greeting everyone, including children, and that his “hands are clean.”

“My manager instructed me to go to the Oba of Benin’s palace. I was unaware until he informed me that they wanted me there. Any consequences should be handled by him. I did nothing wrong; my hands are clean. When I arrived, I greeted everyone, including children, with respect. Everything now seems orchestrated,” he explained.

The second controversy stems from a N395 million lawsuit filed against him by Lagos resident Osarobo Odigie.

The suit, detailed in a pre-action letter from her lawyers at FA Garrick & Co. dated around March 10, 2026, accuses Peller of defamation, cyber harassment, invasion of privacy, and emotional distress.

The lawsuit follows an incident on January 6, 2026, at Folixxx Lounge in Lekki, Lagos, where Peller allegedly insulted Odigie, recorded a confrontation without her consent, and shared the viral video online, leading to widespread harassment and reputational damage.

Peller explained that he lacks the funds to pay the demanded amount, which breaks down into N200 million for defamation, N100 million for emotional trauma, N75 million for cyberbullying/distress, and N20 million for legal fees.

He reiterated an earlier apology issued in January and pleaded for forgiveness again, describing himself as “just a small child” needing guidance.

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He also stated that critics and the lawsuit appear designed to financially ruin him, potentially forcing him onto platforms like Lucky Udu’s interviews, which often feature people in hardship.

“I don’t have the money to give to the woman suing me. It feels like everyone wants me to go broke just so I can be on Lucky Udu’s show. I’m begging, I’m just a small child in this, and a child cannot function without direction. I have even apologised to her before,” Peller said.