The Benin Traditional Council has summoned popular TikToker and social media influencer Habeeb Adelaja, known as Peller, to appear before the appropriate authorities following his unauthorized entry into the Oba’s Palace on March 6 and actions that led to public embarrassment.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the Council confirmed that Peller accessed the palace without prior approval, prompting the launch of a formal investigation.
The Council noted that Peller has not yet complied with an earlier directive to appear before its investigative committee. As a result, the Council is publicly demanding that Mr. Adelaja present himself immediately to the relevant authorities within the Council.
According to the statement, Peller’s unauthorized visit caused widespread distress, and he is required to submit an unreserved written apology to the Palace for both his unauthorized access and the embarrassment caused.
Emphasizing the gravity of the matter, the Council stated: The Palace is not a public venue or a backdrop for casual content creation; it is the ancient and spiritual seat of the Oba of Benin, governed by centuries-old traditions, customs, and sacred protocols.
The Council further warned that failure to comply may result in legal action.
The statement also disclosed that the incident had serious consequences within the palace: a chief was suspended indefinitely, a staff member was detained and charged, and a queen faces possible disciplinary measures, including removal.
Reassuring the public and the Benin nation, the Council affirmed its commitment to safeguarding the kingdom’s customs and traditions. While some may seek to take advantage of His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II’s graciousness, the Council stressed that there are established mechanisms to address and prevent such violations.
In the aftermath of the breach, the Council is enhancing security at the Oba’s Palace. All visits now require written approval, and certain areas are strictly off-limits to unauthorized individuals. Visitors must be escorted by a Palace or Council official, and anyone found on the palace grounds without a valid pass will be considered trespassing and handed over to security agencies. Loitering or unauthorized entry will result in legal consequences as determined by law and the Council.
The incident occurred during Peller’s 2026 Nationwide State Tour, which includes stops in cities like Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Lagos. The Benin City visit was meant to launch the tour, featuring meet-and-greet sessions and local content creation.
The controversial video filmed at the palace in early March attracted criticism for multiple protocol breaches: Peller met a palace queen, who reportedly asked for a social media follow and presented gifts; he greeted a palace chief with the Yoruba term Kabiyesi, which is not customary in Benin; he made lighthearted jokes, including asking officials to hold the rain, and led a large group onto palace grounds, an act the Council deemed disruptive.
In addition to the palace, Peller also visited historic sites in Benin, including Holy Arousa, West Africa’s oldest church, as part of his itinerary.
