The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has sanctioned a queen, chiefs, and palace staff over the alleged unauthorised entry of Tiktoker Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, aka Peller, into the Oba of Benin’s palace.
In a statement on Tuesday, Secretary to the council, Frank Irabor, said the incident, which occurred on March 6, 2026, was a “serious breach of protocol and desecration of the sacred precincts of the Palace.”
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Irabor stressed that the palace is not a place for casual activities. “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,” he said.
He disclosed that a chief implicated in the incident has been suspended indefinitely, while a palace staff member, Mr Omuemu, has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force and charged in court for “causing a breach of the peace and abetting the unauthorised entry.”
Irabor added that the queen involved is undergoing disciplinary proceedings that could lead to her removal from the palace.
“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.
The council also invited Adelaja to appear before a committee of chiefs to explain his actions, but he has yet to comply.
Irabor said the influencer must present himself immediately and issue a written apology for the incident.
He warned that failure to comply would leave the council with no option but to pursue legal action, adding that law enforcement agencies have been notified and are ready to act.
