- Benin Council sanctions Queen, chiefs, and staff
- TikToker Peller gained unauthorized access to palace
- One staff detained, faces criminal charges
- Queen risks removal from the palace
The Benin Traditional Council has sanctioned palace officials, including a queen, over the unauthorized entry of social media influencer Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as Peller.
The council, through its secretary Frank Irabor, disclosed that the influencer gained access to the palace on March 6, 2026, without proper authorization.
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According to the statement, Peller and his entourage entered the sacred premises without approval, and their actions reportedly caused embarrassment and disrupted peace within the palace.
The council described the act as a serious breach of protocol, stressing that the palace is a sacred institution and not a place for casual social media content creation.
Following a preliminary investigation:
• A palace staff member, Mr Omuemu, has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force
• He is expected to be charged in court for alleged breach of peace and aiding the unauthorized entry
• Several chiefs and staff members have also been disciplined
The queen involved in the incident (name withheld) is currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings under Benin customs and traditions.
The council noted that the outcome could lead to her removal from the palace.
The palace of the Oba of Benin is regarded as a deeply spiritual and historical institution, governed by strict customs that have existed for centuries.
The council emphasized that any violation of these traditions is treated with utmost seriousness.
