The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has announced sweeping disciplinary actions within the Benin Palace following the unauthorised entry of social media personality Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, into the sacred palace grounds.
The development, which has sparked widespread public attention, has led to sanctions against an unnamed queen of the palace, the indefinite suspension of a chief, and the detention and prosecution of a palace staff member. The council described the incident as a grave breach of protocol and a desecration of the sanctity of the palace of the Oba of Benin.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Benin City, the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, confirmed that the incident occurred on Friday, March 6, 2026. According to the statement, Peller and members of his entourage gained access to the palace without obtaining the necessary clearance from the appropriate authorities.
The council emphasised that the palace is not a public space open for entertainment or casual visits, but rather a sacred and spiritual institution governed by centuries-old traditions and strict customary protocols.
“The palace is not a public thoroughfare or a location for frivolous content creation,” the statement read. “It is the ancient and spiritual seat of the Oba of Benin, governed by centuries of tradition, custom, and sacred protocols.”
The BTC stated that the influencer’s presence and the activities that followed caused embarrassment and disrupted the peace within the palace premises.
Following a preliminary investigation into how the breach occurred, the council announced that firm disciplinary measures had been taken against those found to have facilitated the unauthorised access.
A chief implicated in the incident has been suspended indefinitely from palace activities. Additionally, a staff member of the Benin Traditional Council, identified as Mr. Omuemu, has been detained by the police and charged to court.
According to the council, Omuemu is being prosecuted for allegedly causing a breach of the peace and abetting the unauthorised entry into the palace.
Perhaps the most significant internal repercussion is the disciplinary process initiated against a queen of the palace who was featured in the now-viral video linked to the incident. The council disclosed that she is facing serious traditional disciplinary proceedings in line with Benin customs and practices.
Irabor noted that the outcome of the proceedings could potentially lead to her removal from the palace — a rare and weighty measure within the Benin monarchy.
“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,” the statement said. “In accordance with Benin traditions and customs, these proceedings may inadvertently result in her removal from the palace.”
Invitation Ignored by Influencer
The council further revealed that after the incident, it extended an invitation to Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs tasked with investigating the matter. The invitation, according to the statement, was conveyed through the same channels within the palace that had facilitated his earlier access.
However, the influencer reportedly failed to honour the invitation.
Irabor stated that the council now demands that Peller present himself immediately before the relevant palace authorities to offer his explanation.
The BTC also insisted that the influencer must tender an unreserved written apology to the palace for the embarrassment and distress caused by his unauthorised visit.
“The unapproved visit has caused untold distress to many people,” the council stated. “He must tender an unreserved written apology to the palace for his unauthorised access and the embarrassment caused.”
The traditional council warned that failure to comply with its directive would leave it with no option but to pursue legal action against Peller.
It disclosed that relevant law enforcement agencies have already been informed and are prepared to take appropriate action if necessary.
The council’s firm posture underscores the seriousness with which the palace views issues of protocol and respect for tradition. Observers say the swift disciplinary actions reflect the determination of the palace to preserve its cultural heritage and authority.
In the wake of the incident, the palace has introduced stricter access control measures. A new directive now requires all staff and visitors to wear identification tags bearing their names and official clearance status before being allowed entry into the palace premises.
According to the statement, anyone found within the palace without proper identification will be denied access moving forward.
The move is aimed at preventing similar breaches and reinforcing internal accountability within the palace system.
The Benin Palace, as the seat of the Oba of Benin, holds immense historical and spiritual significance within the Benin Kingdom and across Nigeria. It is regarded not merely as a residence but as a sacred institution embodying the traditions, authority, and continuity of one of Africa’s oldest monarchies.
Cultural commentators note that the incident has reignited conversations about the intersection of social media culture and traditional institutions. While influencers increasingly seek high-profile locations and personalities for content creation, traditional institutions often operate within frameworks that prioritise protocol, hierarchy, and sacred boundaries.
The BTC’s statement makes it clear that such boundaries must be respected, regardless of an individual’s public profile or online popularity.
Public reaction to the development has been mixed. While some have called for leniency, particularly toward palace insiders facing sanctions, others have commended the council for taking decisive steps to uphold tradition and discipline.
For the palace, however, the focus appears to remain firmly on institutional integrity rather than public sentiment.
By sanctioning internal actors and demanding accountability from the external party involved, the Benin Traditional Council has sent a strong message that the sanctity of the palace is non-negotiable.
As investigations and disciplinary proceedings continue, all eyes remain on whether Peller will respond to the council’s directive and how the matter will ultimately be resolved within both traditional and legal frameworks.
