There is growing tension in the ancient city of Benin, Benin City, following sanctions imposed by the Benin Traditional Council on a palace queen, chiefs and staff over the alleged unauthorised entry of a social media influencer into the revered palace.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the council’s Secretary, Frank Irabor, who described the incident as a serious breach of protocol and desecration of the sacred precincts of the palace of the Oba of Benin.
Irabor said the influencer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, gained unauthorised access to the palace on March 6, 2026, without the approval of the council.
He noted that the influencer’s conduct within the palace premises caused embarrassment and disrupted peace in the traditionally restricted environment.
“The palace is not a public thoroughfare or a location for frivolous content creation; it remains the ancient and spiritual seat of the Oba of Benin, governed by centuries-old customs and sacred protocols,” the statement read.
Following a preliminary investigation, the council announced disciplinary actions against those found culpable in facilitating the breach.
A chief implicated in the incident has been suspended indefinitely, while a palace staff member, identified as Mr Omuemu, has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force and is to face prosecution for allegedly aiding the unauthorised entry and causing a breach of peace.
The council also disclosed that a queen of the palace, whose identity was withheld, is currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings which may lead to her removal, in line with Benin customs and traditions.
Irabor added that the council had invited Adelaja to appear before a panel of chiefs to give his account of the घटना, but he had failed to honour the invitation.
The council has, therefore, directed him to present himself immediately and tender an unreserved written apology for the incident, warning that failure to comply would attract legal action.
It added that law enforcement agencies had been put on notice to take necessary steps should the influencer continue to ignore the directive.
The council reiterated its commitment to preserving the sanctity of the palace and upholding the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom.
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