Entertainment
‘People want me to go broke’ – Peller breaks silence on Benin palace breach controversy, N395m lawsuit
Popular TikTok creator and streamer, Hamzat Habeeb Adelaja, widely known as Peller, has broken his silence over the controversies surrounding his alleged unauthorised visit to the palace of Oba Ewuare II and a N395 million lawsuit filed against him.
Speaking during a recent livestream, the content creator maintained his innocence, insisting he was not directly responsible for the incidents.
The first controversy stems from his visit to the Benin Palace on March 6, 2026, which the Benin Traditional Council described as a breach of palace protocol and a desecration of sacred grounds.
According to the council, Peller and his team allegedly gained entry into the palace without proper authorisation.
The incident reportedly triggered disciplinary actions, including the suspension of a chief, the arrest and prosecution of a palace staff member, and possible sanctions against a queen who appeared in related content.
The council has since summoned Peller to appear before its committee and submit a written apology, warning that legal action may follow if he fails to comply.
Reacting to the claims, Peller said he acted on instructions from his manager and was unaware that his visit violated any rules.
“My manager asked me to go to the Oba of Benin’s palace. I didn’t know about any protocols. I greeted everyone respectfully. My hands are clean,” he said.
The second controversy involves a N395 million lawsuit filed by Lagos resident, Osarobo Odigie, over an alleged incident at a lounge in Lekki.
In a pre-action notice issued through her lawyers, Odigie accused Peller of defamation, cyber harassment, invasion of privacy, and emotional distress after he allegedly recorded and shared a video of a confrontation without her consent.
She is seeking N200 million in damages for defamation, N100 million for emotional trauma, N75 million for cyberbullying, and N20 million to cover legal costs.
Responding to the suit, Peller admitted he lacks the financial means to meet the demands and appealed for leniency, adding that he had previously apologised.
“I don’t have that kind of money. It feels like people want me to go broke. I’m begging; I’m just a young person who needs guidance,” he said.
