The Benin Traditional Council has taken disciplinary action against a palace chief, a queen, and other individuals after social media influencer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, known as Peller, entered the Oba of Benin’s palace without permission.
The council described the visit as a breach of palace protocol and a disruption of the palace’s order.
The council explained that Adelaja and his team accessed the palace without following the required procedures, causing embarrassment and unrest within the palace grounds.
A preliminary investigation led to the suspension of a palace chief involved, while a staff member named Mr. Omuemu has been arrested and charged with aiding the unauthorized entry.
The queen implicated is currently under review and may face removal.
The council has asked Adelaja to appear for questioning and submit a written apology to the palace. Failure to comply could lead to legal consequences.
The council also introduced new rules for palace access, including mandatory written applications, prior approval, prohibition of loitering, and the issuance of official access passes.
Any future unauthorized entry into the palace will be treated as a violation of traditional law, with offenders subject to arrest and prosecution.
The council stressed the need to protect the cultural and spiritual integrity of the Benin Palace.
Peller is currently on a tour across several states in Nigeria.
