- The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has issued a stern warning following the unauthorized entry of popular social media streamer Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, known as Peller, into the Oba of Benin’s palace.
- A palace Queen is currently facing internal disciplinary proceedings that may lead to her permanent removal, while a high-ranking chief has been placed on indefinite suspension for facilitating the visit.
- The BTC has officially summoned Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs to account for the incident, which the council described as a grave desecration of the sacred and spiritual seat of the Oba.
The sanctity of the ancient Benin Palace has been thrown into the spotlight following a serious breach of protocol involving social media influencer Peller.
Eko Hot Blog reports that in a formal statement released on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Frank Irabor, detailed how the streamer and his entourage gained unapproved access to the palace on March 6 during his ongoing nationwide tour.
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The council expressed deep gravity over the incident, stating that the palace is a sacred institution governed by centuries of tradition and is not a venue for “frivolous content creation.”
Preliminary investigations have already led to severe consequences within the palace hierarchy.
A staff member identified as Mr. Omuemu has been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force and charged in court, while a culpable chief has been slammed with an indefinite suspension.
Most notably, a Queen of the palace is now under investigation, with the BTC confirming that traditional customs may necessitate her removal from the palace grounds.
According to the statement, Peller was previously invited to explain his side of the story but failed to honor the summons.
The council has now used this public medium to demand his immediate appearance and a written apology to the Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II.
The BTC warned that failure to comply would leave the institution with no choice but to pursue legal action through appropriate law enforcement agencies.
The incident has caused significant distress among custodians of Benin culture, who view the unauthorized filming and conduct of the entourage as an embarrassment to the throne.
Frank Irabor emphasized that while the Oba is known for a “fatherly and forgiving disposition,” the council possesses the institutional tools to correct such infractions and will not allow the undermining of sacred traditions.
As the nationwide tour of the TikTok star continues, this legal and traditional face-off highlights the growing tension between modern social media culture and the preservation of Nigeria’s deep-rooted traditional institutions.
The BTC concluded by assuring the Benin nation that it remains the unwavering custodian of its age-old customs and will take all necessary steps to prevent a recurrence of such a breach.
