Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, a social media influencer known as “Peller,” is wanted by the Benin Traditional Council of the Oba of Benin for gaining unauthorized access to the palace grounds.
The Benin Traditional Council wishes to address the public on Friday, March 16, 2026, regarding the grave violation of protocol and what he refers to as desecration of the Sacred Precincts of the Palace, according to a statement signed and made public by Benin Traditional Council Secretary Frank Irabor yesterday.
“The Council confirms that an individual, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, a social media influencer popularly known as “Peller,” gained unauthorized access to the palace premises on the said date,” the statement reads. Without the council’s required authorization, Mr. Adelaja and his entourage entered the Palace, and their actions afterward caused embarrassment and a disturbance of the quiet on the Palace grounds.
“The Benin Traditional Council views this incident with the utmost gravity,” the statement reads. The Palace is the ancient and spiritual seat of the Oba of Benin, ruled by centuries of history, custom, and sacred procedures; it is neither a public thoroughfare nor a place for the production of frivolous content.
“The Council has conducted a preliminary investigation into the circumstance that allowed this unauthorized access,” the statement continued. As a result, Palace employees and leaders who assisted in this mischievous act have been subject to severe disciplinary actions. In particular, a Chief who was connected to the incident has been placed on indefinite leave from the Palace. The Nigeria Police Force has arrested Mr. Omuemu, a staff member of the Benin Traditional Council, and charged him with breach of peace and abbetting the unauthorized entry.
The statement went on to warn that a Queen of the Palace who was regrettably involved in the incident was subject to severe disciplinary actions, which could lead to her expulsion from the palace.
“Therefore, the Council is using this public medium to demand that Mr. Adelaja present himself immediately to the relevant authorities within the council,” the statement added. He must offer the palace an unconditional apology for his unauthorized entry and the embarrassment he caused, as his visit has caused incalculable distress to a great number of people. The palace will have no choice but to take legal action if this decision is not followed. The relevant law enforcement organizations have been duly notified of this situation and are prepared to take appropriate action against him.
