Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
The royal court of the ancient Benin Kingdom has been drawn into controversy following the suspension of a queen, a palace chief, and a staff member by Ewuare II over what authorities described as a serious breach of palace protocol involving a social media influencer.
The disciplinary action, announced on March 17, 2026, stems from an incident that occurred on March 6, when Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, allegedly gained unauthorized access to the Benin Royal Palace in Benin City. According to an official statement issued by the Benin Traditional Council, the visit violated longstanding customs governing entry into the palace, which is regarded as a sacred and historically significant institution.
The statement, signed by the council’s secretary, Frank Irabor, characterized the incident as both a “significant breach of protocol” and a “desecration” of the palace’s sanctity. It emphasized that the palace is not a public venue but a spiritual and cultural seat governed by centuries-old traditions that strictly regulate access and conduct within its premises.
Preliminary findings by the council indicate that the influencer and his associates were allowed entry without the requisite authorization, bypassing established procedures. This lapse, officials said, resulted in disruption within the palace and generated what they described as embarrassment for the institution.
In response, the Oba ordered immediate sanctions against those found to have facilitated the entry. A palace chief implicated in the incident has been placed on indefinite suspension, effectively barring him from participating in palace affairs pending further review. In addition, a staff member of the Benin Traditional Council, identified as Mr. Omuemu, has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force and formally charged in court for alleged roles including aiding unauthorized entry and causing a breach of peace.
More significantly, a queen within the palace is currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings described by the council as severe. Palace authorities indicated that the process could ultimately result in her removal, a rare and consequential measure within the traditional institution. While specific details of her involvement have not been publicly disclosed, officials confirmed that her actions were considered incompatible with established customs and expectations of royal conduct.
The council’s statement underscored the gravity of the situation by reiterating the cultural and spiritual importance of the Benin Palace. It stressed that access to the premises is tightly controlled not only for security reasons but also to preserve the integrity of traditions that date back several centuries. The unauthorized visit, therefore, was framed not merely as an administrative lapse but as a violation of deeply held cultural norms.
Following the incident, the council initiated an internal investigation to determine how the breach occurred. As part of its response, it also extended an invitation to the influencer to appear before a committee of chiefs to provide his account. According to officials, this outreach was made through the same channels that facilitated his initial access.
However, the council reported that Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja has yet to respond to the summons. In light of this, the institution has escalated its position, issuing a public demand for his immediate appearance before the council. It has also called on him to submit a formal written apology addressing what it described as the distress and embarrassment caused by his actions.
The statement warned that failure to comply could lead to legal consequences. Authorities confirmed that relevant law enforcement agencies have been notified and are prepared to take further action if necessary. While the exact nature of potential charges against the influencer has not been specified, the involvement of the police suggests that the matter may extend beyond internal disciplinary proceedings.
Stone Reporters note that the incident highlights the growing tension between traditional institutions and modern digital culture in Nigeria. The rise of social media influencers, whose content often prioritizes visibility and engagement, has increasingly intersected with spaces governed by strict cultural protocols. In this case, the attempt to create content within a highly sensitive traditional setting appears to have triggered a strong institutional response.
The Benin Kingdom, one of Nigeria’s most historically significant monarchies, has long maintained strict adherence to its customs and hierarchical structures. The current Oba, Ewuare II, has been noted for efforts to reinforce traditional values and preserve the sanctity of the palace since ascending the throne. Actions such as the suspension of high-ranking individuals within the palace hierarchy reflect a broader commitment to upholding these principles.
Cultural analysts suggest that the case may serve as a precedent for how traditional authorities respond to similar incidents in the future. It also raises broader questions about the boundaries between public access, cultural preservation, and digital expression in an increasingly interconnected society.
For residents of Benin City and observers across Nigeria, the developments have generated significant public interest, particularly given the rarity of disciplinary measures involving members of the royal household. The possibility of a queen’s removal underscores the seriousness with which the palace views the breach.
As investigations and disciplinary processes continue, attention will likely focus on whether the influencer complies with the council’s directives and how the legal and cultural dimensions of the case ultimately intersect. The outcome may shape future interactions between public figures and traditional institutions in Nigeria.
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