News

Benin Queen, Others at Risk of Removal Over Peller’s Unauthorised Palace Visit

ByTitilope Adako

PublishedMarch 17, 2026

The Benin Traditional Council has announced that a Queen of the palace is facing possible removal after social media influencer Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, gained unauthorised access to the Oba of Benin’s palace.

According to a statement signed by the council’s Secretary, Frank Irabor, Peller visited the palace on March 6 during his nationwide tour and was received by some palace officials.

The council described the visit as a serious breach of protocol and a desecration of the sacred palace grounds.

“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 said the council has conducted a preliminary investigation into the circumstances that allowed this unauthorised access.

Stringent disciplinary measures have been taken against palace staff and chiefs who aided the act. Specifically, a chief 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,” he added.

“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 result in her removal from the palace.”

The council also invited Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs tasked with investigating the matter.

Irabor said, “Following the incident, the council, utilising the same channels within the palace that facilitated the initial entry, extended an invitation to Mr Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja (Peller). He was requested to appear before a committee of chiefs tasked with investigating the matter to provide his own side of the story. Regrettably, Mr Adelaja has failed to honour this invitation.

“The council is therefore using this public medium to demand that Mr Adelaja presents himself immediately to the relevant authorities within the council. His unapproved visit has caused untold distress to many people, and as such, he must tender an unreserved written apology to the palace for his unauthorised access and the embarrassment caused. Failure to comply with this directive will leave the council with no option but to pursue legal action.

“The appropriate law enforcement agencies have been duly informed of this matter and are standing by to take necessary action against him.”

“The Benin Traditional Council assures the public and the entire Benin nation that it remains the unwavering custodian of our age-old customs and traditions.

“While unscrupulous elements may occasionally attempt to undermine our sacred institutions, banking on the fatherly and forgiving disposition of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, they do so at their peril. The council wishes to state unequivocally that it possesses the institutional tools to immediately correct such infractions and prevent any recurrence. We thank the public for their concern and support in preserving the sanctity and dignity of the Benin throne.”

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.