The Benin Traditional Council has warned that a queen who allowed popular streamer Peller into the palace without authorisation risks disciplinary action, including possible removal from her position.
The incident occurred on March 6 when Peller, born Habeeb Hamzat, visited Benin City as part of his nationwide tour and was received by the queen inside the palace. A video of the interaction, which showed Peller referring to her as “the Queen for real,” quickly went viral online.
During the visit, the queen was seen presenting him with framed photographs and gift packs, including boxes of perfumes.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Frank Irabor, Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, described the act as a serious breach of protocol and a desecration of the sacred palace precincts. The council noted that neither Peller nor his entourage sought or obtained the necessary permission before entering the palace grounds.
“Mr. Adelaja and his entourage entered the Palace without the requisite permission from the council, and their subsequent conduct caused significant embarrassment and a breach of the peace within the palace grounds,” the statement read.
The council stressed that the palace is not a public venue for frivolous content creation, describing it as “the ancient and spiritual seat of the Oba of Benin, governed by centuries of tradition, custom, and sacred protocols.”
Following a preliminary investigation, disciplinary measures have been taken against palace staff and chiefs implicated in the incident. A chief has been suspended indefinitely, while a staff member identified as Omuemu has been arrested and charged by the Nigeria Police Force for causing a breach of the peace and abetting unauthorised entry.
The statement also confirmed that the queen involved is now facing serious disciplinary proceedings in line with Benin customs, which could ultimately result in her removal from the palace.
The council has extended an invitation to Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs to address the matter and tender an apology.
“The council is therefore using this public medium to demand that Mr. Adelaja presents himself immediately to the relevant authorities within the council. His unapproved visit has caused untold distress, and he must tender an unreserved written apology to the palace,” the statement added.
The council warned that failure to comply may lead to legal action, with law enforcement agencies already informed and ready to intervene.
Peller had earlier announced a 20-state tour across Nigeria starting in March, with planned stops in Ibadan, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, Kogi, Kano, Kaduna, Abuja, Borno, Edo, Port Harcourt, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Enugu, Niger, and Ebonyi.
