The Oba Ewuare II has ordered the suspension of a palace queen, a chief, and other staff members over what has been described as a serious breach of protocol at the Benin Palace.
The action followed an incident involving a social media influencer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, who gained unauthorised access to the palace on March 6, 2026. The development has sparked reactions within traditional circles and beyond, as the palace is regarded as a highly sacred institution.
In a statement issued by the Benin Traditional Council and signed by its secretary, Frank Irabor, the council said the sanctions were necessary due to the seriousness of the offence. It described the incident as a desecration of the palace and a violation of long-standing customs and traditions.
According to the statement, the influencer and his entourage entered the palace without proper approval from the council. Their presence and activities within the palace grounds were said to have caused embarrassment and disrupted the peace of the environment.
“The palace is not a public place or a location for casual social media activities,” the statement noted. “It is the spiritual and cultural seat of the Oba of Benin, guided by centuries of tradition and strict rules.”
As part of the disciplinary measures, a chief linked to the incident has been suspended indefinitely. The palace queen who appeared in the controversial visit is also facing serious disciplinary proceedings, which could lead to her removal from the palace, according to the council.
In addition, a palace staff member identified as Mr Omuemu has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force. He is expected to be charged in court for allegedly aiding the unauthorised entry and causing a breach of peace within the palace.
The council stressed that all individuals found to have played a role in the incident would face consequences in line with Benin customs and the law.
The incident has also raised concerns about the growing influence of social media and its interaction with traditional institutions. In recent years, influencers have increasingly sought access to prominent locations to create content for online platforms, sometimes without fully understanding the cultural significance of such places.
The Benin Palace, however, holds a unique status in Nigeria’s traditional system. The Oba of Benin is one of the most respected traditional rulers in the country, and the palace itself is seen as a symbol of authority, history, and spirituality.
The Benin Kingdom, located in present-day Edo State, dates back several centuries and is known for its rich culture, bronze artworks, and well-structured traditional leadership system. Access to the palace is strictly controlled, and visitors are usually required to follow laid-down procedures before entry is granted.
The council revealed that it had invited Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs set up to investigate the matter. The invitation was meant to give him an opportunity to explain his actions and present his side of the story.
However, the influencer reportedly failed to honour the invitation, a move the council described as disappointing. It added that his actions had caused distress to many people connected to the palace.
As a result, the council has directed him to submit a written apology for his unauthorised visit and the embarrassment caused. It warned that failure to comply with this directive could lead to legal action.
In many parts of Nigeria, palaces are not just residences but also centres of cultural and spiritual authority. As such, actions considered disrespectful can attract serious consequences, both socially and legally.
The incident also highlights the challenges that come with balancing tradition and modernity in a fast-changing world. While social media offers opportunities for visibility and engagement, it can also lead to situations where boundaries are crossed.
For many Nigerians, the Benin Palace incident serves as a reminder of the need to respect cultural institutions and the rules that govern them.
As investigations continue, the palace authorities have maintained that they will not tolerate any actions that undermine the dignity of the throne. They have also called on the public to be mindful of the importance of tradition and to seek proper approval before engaging with sensitive cultural sites.
For now, the message from the Benin Traditional Council remains clear: the sanctity of the palace must be preserved, and anyone who violates its rules will be held accountable.