The Benin Traditional Council has summoned popular TikToker Habeeb Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, following an unauthorised and “embarrassing” intrusion into the Oba’s Palace in Benin City on March 6. The council demanded that he present himself immediately and tender a written apology for breaching palace protocols.
The council confirmed that Peller had ignored an earlier directive to appear before an investigative panel and stated that his visit caused distress within the palace hierarchy. The incident was described as a violation of centuries-old traditions, emphasizing that the palace is not a public venue for frivolous content creation.
Peller’s visit occurred during his 2026 nationwide social media tour aimed at fan engagement and content creation in Nigerian cities including Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Lagos. Videos of him inside the palace, interacting casually with officials and making cultural missteps, including improperly addressing a palace chief and joking within the premises, sparked widespread criticism.
In response to the breach, the council announced disciplinary actions, including the indefinite suspension of a chief, detention of a palace staff member, and potential removal of a queen. Stricter security measures and mandatory written approvals for all palace visitors were also instituted to prevent future incidents.
The council warned that any person accessing the palace without authorisation will face legal consequences, reaffirming its commitment to uphold the sacred traditions and protocols of the Oba of Benin and maintain order within the palace grounds.
