The Benin Traditional Council has summoned social media influencer Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, known as Peller, over what it described as an unauthorised visit to the Oba of Benin’s palace on March 6, 2026.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, March 17, by the Council’s Secretary, Frank Irabor, the council said Adelaja entered the palace without obtaining prior approval and engaged in conduct that caused “significant embarrassment and a breach of the peace within the palace grounds.”
The council stated that the palace “is not a public thoroughfare or a location for frivolous content creation,” adding that it remains “the ancient and spiritual seat of the Oba of Benin, governed by centuries of tradition, custom, and sacred protocols.”
According to the statement, Adelaja had earlier been invited to appear before a committee of chiefs to explain the circumstances surrounding his visit but had not complied.
“The council is therefore using this public medium to demand that Mr Adelaja present himself immediately to the relevant authorities within the council,” Irabor said. “His unapproved visit has caused untold distress to many people, and as such, he must tender an unreserved written apology to the palace.”
The council warned that failure to comply with the directive could lead to legal action, noting that law enforcement agencies had been informed.
Preliminary findings by the council indicated that Adelaja’s entry into the palace was facilitated by insiders. As a result, a palace chief linked to the incident has been placed on indefinite suspension, while a staff member identified as Omuemu has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force and charged to court for allegedly aiding the unauthorised access.
The council also confirmed that a palace queen who appeared in a video of the visit is currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings. “In accordance with Benin traditions and customs, these proceedings may result in her removal from the palace,” the statement said.
Adelaja’s visit formed part of his 2026 nationwide tour, which includes stops in several cities such as Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Lagos. During his time in Benin City, he also visited historical sites, including Holy Arousa.
However, the council faulted the manner of his palace visit, stating that established procedures for access were not followed. It described the incident as a “serious breach of protocol and desecration of the sacred precincts of the palace.”
Following the incident, the council announced stricter security measures within the palace. It stated that all visitors must now obtain written approval before entry and must be escorted at all times. Restricted areas are to remain off-limits to unauthorised persons.
“Any person found within the palace grounds without a valid access pass will be regarded as being there without authorisation and will be promptly handed to the nearest security agency,” the statement added.
The Benin Traditional Council stated that measures would continue to be taken to preserve the dignity of the throne.
