The Benin Traditional Council has sanctioned a palace chief, a queen and other individuals over alleged breaches of palace protocol linked to the recent visit of social media influencer Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as Peller.
In a statement issued in Benin City, the Secretary of the Council, Frank Irabor, said the influencer’s visit to the palace was unauthorized and violated long-standing traditional procedures governing access to the palace of the Oba of Benin.
The Council stated that Adelaja and members of his entourage allegedly gained entry into the palace without obtaining the required permission, an action it said caused embarrassment and disrupted the peace within the palace premises.
According to the statement, the palace is a sacred institution and not a location for casual visits or social media content creation.
“The Palace is not a public thoroughfare or a place for frivolous content creation; it is the ancient and spiritual seat of the Oba of Benin, governed by centuries of tradition, custom and sacred protocols,” the Council said.
The BTC, which acts on behalf of Ewuare II, said a preliminary investigation into the incident had led to disciplinary measures against those involved in facilitating the influencer’s access.
A palace chief linked to the incident has been suspended indefinitely, while a palace staff member identified as Mr. Omuemu has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force and charged to court over alleged breach of peace and aiding unlawful entry into the palace.
The Council also disclosed that a queen who appeared in the incident is currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings, which could result in her removal from the palace.
In addition, the Council directed Adelaja to present himself for questioning, noting that he had earlier failed to honour an invitation extended to him by the palace authorities.
The BTC further demanded that the influencer submit an unreserved written apology to the palace over the incident, warning that failure to comply could lead to legal action.
Describing the situation as distressing, the Council reiterated the importance of preserving the sanctity and cultural heritage of the palace of the Oba of Benin.
Meanwhile, the Council announced new guidelines regulating access to the palace. These include mandatory written applications, prior approval for visits, a ban on loitering within the palace grounds and the introduction of an official access pass system.
“Henceforth, any individual or group found entering or loitering within the Oba’s Palace premises without the required permits, approval or official access pass will be considered to be in violation of traditional law and order,” the statement added.
The Council warned that violators would be apprehended and made to face the full consequences of their actions in line with the law.
Credit: Vanguard
