The tension between digital “clout” and ancient tradition has reached a breaking point as the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) officially declared social media influencer Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, “wanted” by the palace authorities. The declaration follows Peller’s failure to honor a formal invitation to explain his side of a controversial and unauthorized visit to the sacred precincts of the Oba of Benin’s palace on March 6, 2026.
In a scathing statement signed by the Secretary of the BTC, Frank Irabor, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the council expressed deep regret over what it termed a “desecration” of the centuries-old institution. The council clarified that while they had initially extended an olive branch by inviting Peller to a committee of chiefs, his refusal to appear has forced their hand. They are now publicly demanding that he present himself immediately to tender an unreserved written apology for the embarrassment and “untold distress” caused to the Benin people.
Why the Palace is Angry: The council highlighted several specific breaches that occurred during the visit, which was part of Peller’s 2026 Nationwide State Tour:
- Unauthorized Access: Peller and his large entourage allegedly gained entry without the requisite permission from the council.
- Inappropriate Greetings: The influencer reportedly addressed a palace chief using the Yoruba term “Kabiyesi,” a serious linguistic and cultural blunder within the Benin Kingdom, where specific Bini titles and protocols are strictly enforced.
- Frivolous Content: The palace took offense at Peller making jokes on the sacred grounds—including asking officials to “hold the rain” from falling—stating that the palace is a spiritual seat, not a “public thoroughfare for content creation.”
The Internal Fallout: The consequences within the palace walls have been swift and severe. An unnamed Palace Queen who appeared in the viral video is currently facing disciplinary proceedings that may result in her permanent removal. Additionally, a high-ranking Chief has been suspended indefinitely, and a staff member identified as Mr. Omuemu has been detained by the police and charged to court for abetting the unauthorized entry.
The BTC has warned that failure to comply with this final directive will leave them with no choice but to pursue full legal action. With law enforcement agencies already briefed, the ball is now in Peller’s court. This incident has sparked a massive national debate: should influencers be held legally accountable for cultural insensitivity, or is this a case of tradition clashing too harshly with the digital age? For the Benin Kingdom, the answer is clear—the sanctity of the throne is non-negotiable.
