*Queen, Two Others Face Sanction
THE Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has demanded that popular streamer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, also known as Peller, present himself immediately and provide his account of what transpired, as well as issue an unreserved written apology for the embarrassment caused by his recent ‘unathorised’ visit to the palace of the Oba of Benin, Ewuare 11.
BTC, in a statement, warned that failure to comply could result in legal action, as law enforcement agencies had already been informed.
The March 6 visit has continued to generate reactions after it was reported that Peller gained access to the palace without official approval.
As a result, a Benin queen is currently facing intense disciplinary proceedings that may lead to her permanent removal from the palace over the visit of Peller, who is currently on a 19-state streaming tour.
A senior palace staff member has been reportedly detained and charged in court, while a high-ranking chief has been slammed with an indefinite suspension, even as BTC has officially demanded that Peller present himself to a committee of chiefs and issue a written apology.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Frank Irabor, BTC described the development as a serious breach of protocol and a violation of the sanctity of the palace, saying the palace is not a place for casual visits or content creation, but a sacred institution governed by long-standing traditions and customs.
The Council confirmed that a queen within the palace who appeared in the incident was undergoing disciplinary proceedings, and in line with Benin customs, the outcome of the process could lead to her removal from the palace.
It expressed regret over the situation, stressing the importance of upholding the dignity of the royal institution at all times.
BTC stated that following a preliminary investigation, disciplinary actions had already been taken against individuals found to have played roles in the incident, with a chief implicated in facilitating the unauthorised access suspended indefinitely.
A staff member has also been detained by the Police and charged in court for allegedly aiding the breach and causing a disturbance within the palace, as part of efforts to ensure accountability and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
The Council said it had earlier invited Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs set up to investigate the matter, adding that the influencer has reportedly failed to honour the invitation.
