The controversy surrounding the visit of social media personality Hamzat Habeeb Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, to the Benin Royal Palace has intensified, as Queen Ewuare publicly disputed claims that the visit was unauthorised.
The development follows disciplinary action taken by the Benin Traditional Council, which suspended the queen along with some chiefs and a palace staff member. The council had described the visit as a violation of palace customs and a disrespect to sacred traditions.
Peller visited the palace in Benin City on March 6 during a nationwide tour and was reportedly received by certain palace officials. The visit, however, sparked criticism within traditional circles.
In a statement signed by its secretary, Frank Irabor, the council maintained that the visit breached established protocol. It directed Peller to appear before a committee and issue a formal apology, alleging that he and his team gained entry without proper approval and caused disruption within the palace.
Responding to the claims, Queen Ewuare rejected the council’s position, describing it as misleading. In a video shared on social media, she presented what she described as evidence showing that the visit had been formally communicated to the council in advance.
She displayed a letter bearing an official acknowledgment stamp from the council, dated February 23, 2026, which notified the palace of Peller’s planned courtesy visit and requested an audience with Oba Ewuare II.
While the queen argued that the document confirms prior notice, critics have pointed out that acknowledging a letter does not necessarily mean approval was granted.
The situation has generated mixed reactions online. Some supporters have defended the queen, while others insist that proper authorisation requires explicit approval from the palace authorities.
Meanwhile, Peller’s management also released a statement, insisting that due process was followed. According to them, a formal request for the visit was submitted ahead of time, and although the Oba was unavailable, the team was allowed entry and guided by palace representatives.
They added that any actions interpreted as inappropriate were unintentional and expressed regret over any misunderstanding, emphasising Peller’s interest in promoting Nigerian culture.
Despite these explanations, the Benin Traditional Council has maintained its stance, stressing that the palace is a sacred institution governed by strict customs and not a place for casual visits or content creation.
In a related development, the council disclosed that a palace staff member allegedly involved in facilitating the visit has been detained by the police and charged in court, while further investigations continue.
