Benin Queen Risks Removal over Influencer Peller’s Visit

The Benin Traditional Council has sanctioned palace officials and threatened to remove a queen over influencer Peller’s unauthorized visit to the Oba of Benin’s palace, describing it as a breach of sacred protocol.

Tension is mounting within the Benin royal institution as a controversy surrounding the unauthorised visit of popular social media influencer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, widely known as Peller, continues to unfold.

The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has initiated disciplinary actions against a palace queen, chiefs, and other officials over what it described as a serious violation of palace protocol and a desecration of the sacred grounds of the Oba of Benin’s palace.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the BTC Secretary, Frank Irabor, the council condemned the circumstances that led to Peller’s access to the palace during his nationwide tour on March 6, 2026, noting that due process was not followed.
According to the council, the incident has not only embarrassed the revered institution but also disrupted the peace within the palace.

“The Benin Traditional Council wishes to address the public regarding a serious breach of protocol and desecration of the sacred precincts of the Palace,” the statement read.

The council further stressed that the palace remains a sacred institution guided by long-standing traditions and cannot be treated as a venue for casual visits or social media content creation.

As part of immediate sanctions, a palace chief implicated in the incident has been placed on indefinite suspension.

Additionally, a palace staff member identified as Omuemu has been detained by the police and charged to court for allegedly facilitating the unauthorised entry.

More significantly, a palace queen accused of enabling the visit is currently undergoing internal disciplinary proceedings, with the possibility of removal in accordance with Benin customs and traditions.

The BTC has also summoned Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs to explain the circumstances surrounding his visit. However, the influencer is yet to honour the invitation.

The council warned that failure to comply may lead to legal action, insisting that he must present himself immediately and issue an unreserved written apology.

Reaffirming its stance, the BTC emphasised its commitment to preserving the dignity, sanctity, and cultural heritage of the Benin throne, warning that any act capable of undermining the institution will attract strict consequences.