The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has sanctioned a queen of the palace, some chiefs, and palace staff over the alleged unauthorized access granted to social media influencer Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, to the palace of the Oba of Benin.
The council’s secretary, Frank Irabor, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
Irabor said a palace staff member identified as Mr. Omuemu has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force and would be charged in court for allegedly causing a breach of peace and aiding the unauthorized entry.
He also confirmed that the queen who appeared in the incident—whose name was withheld—is currently facing disciplinary proceedings in line with Benin traditions and customs, which may lead to her removal from the palace.
According to the council, the incident occurred on March 6, 2026, when Peller and his entourage allegedly gained access to the palace without the required permission.
“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,” the statement said.
Irabor explained that a preliminary investigation had been conducted into how the unauthorized access occurred, leading to disciplinary measures against those implicated.
He said a chief linked to the incident had been suspended indefinitely from the palace, while Mr. Omuemu was detained and charged for allegedly abetting the breach.
The council also revealed that it had invited Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs investigating the matter, but he had failed to honour the invitation.
The BTC demanded that the influencer immediately present himself before the council and tender an unreserved written apology for the embarrassment caused by his unapproved visit.
It warned that failure to comply with the directive would compel the council to pursue legal action, adding that relevant law enforcement agencies have already been notified and are prepared to take necessary steps.