The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has announced disciplinary actions against several palace officials and one of the Queen’s consorts following a serious breach of protocol at the royal palace.
The council has also declared a social media influencer wanted for his role in the incident.
In a statement released on [Insert Current Date] and signed by its secretary, Frank Irabor, the BTC detailed events that transpired on Friday, March 6, 2026, describing them as a “serious breach of protocol and desecration of the sacred precincts of the Palace.”
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According to the statement, the incident involved Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, a social media influencer known as “Peller.” The council alleges that Mr Adelaja and his entourage gained unauthorised access to the palace grounds and engaged in conduct that caused “significant embarrassment and a breach of the peace.”
“The Palace is not a public thoroughfare or a location 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 statement read.
Following a preliminary investigation, the BTC has levied the following penalties:
A senior Chief implicated in facilitating the incident has been suspended indefinitely from the palace.
A council staff member, Mr Omuemu, has been arrested by the Nigerian Police Force and charged in court for alleged roles in causing a breach of the peace and abetting the unauthorised entry.
The Queen of the palace, who was featured in the incident, is now facing disciplinary proceedings. The council noted that, in accordance with Benin customs, these proceedings “may inadvertently result in her removal from the Palace.”
The council claims that Mr Adelaja was initially invited by the same palace officials involved in the breach. After the incident, the BTC extended an official invitation for him to appear before a committee of chiefs to provide his account. The council states that Mr Adelaja has failed to honour this invitation.
In response, the Benin Traditional Council is now publicly demanding that Mr Adelaja present himself to its authorities. He is required to tender an “unreserved written apology to the Palace for his unauthorised access, and the embarrassment caused.”
The BTC warned that failure to comply will result in legal action, stating that law enforcement agencies have been alerted and are prepared to act.
About the Benin Traditional Council:
The BTC is the highest traditional authority in the Benin Kingdom, responsible for advising the Oba of Benin and preserving the customs, traditions, and cultural heritage of the Benin people.
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