Benin Traditional Council Slams Social Media Influencer, Peller, Over Palace Intrusion

The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has condemned the actions of popular social media influencer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, better known as Peller, for allegedly gaining unauthorized access to the Palace of the Oba of Benin.

​In a strongly-worded statement issued on Monday, the Council described the incident, which occurred on Friday, March 6, 2026, as a grave violation of the “sacred precincts” of the ancient palace.

​The Council confirmed that Peller and his entourage entered the palace grounds without the requisite permission or traditional clearance.

​According to the statement, the subsequent conduct of the influencer during the visit caused “significant embarrassment” and constituted a “breach of the peace” within the hallowed grounds.

​The BTC reminded the public and social media creators that the Palace of the Oba of Benin is not a tourist attraction for “frivolous content creation.”

The incident has sparked a debate online regarding the boundaries of content creation and the respect for traditional institutions. While Peller is known for his high-energy skits and live streams, the Benin Traditional Council maintains that the spiritual integrity of the Oba’s seat must be preserved at all costs.

​There are indications that the Council may take further traditional or legal steps to ensure such a “desecration” does not repeat itself.