The Benin Traditional Council, acting on behalf of the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has imposed disciplinary measures on a palace chief, a queen, and other individuals for breaches of palace protocol linked to the recent unauthorized visit by social media influencer Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as Peller.
In a statement released by the Council Secretary, Frank Irabor, it was explained that Adelaja and his entourage gained access to the palace without proper authorization, disrupting traditional protocols and causing embarrassment within the palace.
“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 read.
Following a preliminary investigation, the Council announced that a palace chief implicated has been suspended indefinitely, and a staff member, Mr. Omuemu, has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force and charged with breach of peace and facilitating the unlawful entry.
A queen involved in the incident is also facing ongoing disciplinary proceedings, which could lead to her removal.
The Council has directed Adelaja to present himself for questioning, noting that he had previously ignored an invitation to do so. He has also been ordered to submit an unreserved written apology to the palace or face legal action.
To prevent future breaches, the BTC introduced new guidelines regulating palace access, including mandatory written applications, prior approval for visits, prohibition of loitering, and an official access pass system. The statement emphasized that any individual or group entering the Oba’s Palace without authorization will face legal consequences.
What you should know
The incident underscores the importance the Benin Traditional Council places on preserving the cultural and spiritual sanctity of the Oba’s Palace.
It highlights that the palace is not merely a tourist or social media attraction but a protected institution governed by centuries-old protocols.
The new access regulations aim to prevent similar violations and ensure that traditional laws are respected. Violators, whether officials or visitors, now face disciplinary or legal consequences.
