Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has taken action against an unnamed wife, some chiefs, and palace staff for allowing social media influencer Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, into the palace without permission.
The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) announced the sanctions yesterday in Benin, saying a queen, chiefs, and palace staff had violated palace protocol by letting the influencer enter without proper checks.
Frank Irabor, secretary to the council, said in a statement on Tuesday that a council staff member, Mr. Omuemu, had been arrested by the police. He will face court for allegedly causing a breach of the peace and aiding the unauthorised entry.
Irabor added that the queen seen in the viral video is now under serious disciplinary review according to Benin traditions and customs. He noted that the process could lead to her removal from the palace.
The council’s statement read, “The Benin Traditional Council wishes to address the public regarding a serious breach of protocol and desecration of the sacred precincts of the palace, which occurred on Friday, March 6, 2026.
“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.
“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.”
Irabor explained that the council carried out a preliminary investigation into how the unauthorised entry happened. He said strict disciplinary steps had been taken against chiefs and staff who allowed it.
He added, “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. He has been charged in court for causing a breach of the peace and abetting the unauthorised 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.”
The council said it had invited Peller, through the same channels that allowed his initial entry, to appear before a committee of chiefs investigating the matter. He did not respond to the invitation.
Irabor stressed that Peller must present himself immediately to the council authorities. He said the influencer’s unapproved visit caused distress to many and must issue a full written apology to the palace for his actions and the embarrassment caused.
The statement warned that failing to comply could force the council to take legal action. It added that law enforcement agencies had been informed and were ready to act against Peller if necessary.
Meanwhile, the palace directed that all staff and visitors must now wear identification tags. Anyone without a tag will not be allowed into the palace.
