Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has sanctioned
chiefs, staff and queen over unauthorized palace access by a social media influencer Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja also known as “Peller”
Truth Live News Media reports that Peller visited the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II palace on Friday, 6 March 2026.
This is contained in a statement signed by Frank Irabor, Secretary of Benin Traditional Council (BTC) on Tuesday in Benin
Irabor said the Council confirmed 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.
“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,” statement reads
Irabor said that the Council had conducted a preliminary investigation into the circumstances that allowed this unauthorized access.
Consequently, stringent disciplinary measures have been taken against Palace staff and chiefs who aided this mischievous act.
Specifically, a Chief who was implicated in the incident has been suspended indefinitely from the Palace.
A staff member of the Benin Traditional Council, identified as Mr. Omuemu, has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force.
Irabor said that Omuemu had been charged to court for causing a breach of the peace and abetting the unauthorized entry.
” 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 inadvertently result in her removal from the Palace,” he said
Following the incident, the Council, had utilized the same channels within the palace that facilitated the initial entry, extended an invitation to Mr. Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja (Pelier).
“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,” Irabor added
Irabor said that “the Council is therefore using this public medium to demand that Mr Adelaja present himself immediately to the relevant authorities within the Council.
He added that his unapproved visit has caused untold distress to so many people, and as such, he must tender an unreserved written apology to the Palace for his unauthorized access and the embarrassment caused.
He however said that failure to comply with this directive would leave the Council with no option but to pursue legal action.
He noted that the appropriate Law Enforcement Agencies had been duly informed of this matter and are standing by to take necessary action against him.
