The Benin Traditional Council has firmly stated that popular TikTok streamer Hamzat Habeeb Adelaja, known as Peller, did not receive any official approval for his visit to the Oba of Benin’s palace. The council made the position clear in a statement issued on March 24, addressing ongoing questions about the March 6 visit that has sparked widespread debate.
The council’s secretary, Frank Irabor said in the statement that,
“The attention of the Benin Traditional Council has been drawn to recent public reactions following its press release concerning the abominable and unauthorised visit to the Palace of the Oba of Benin by Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as ‘Peller,’ and his manager.”
According to the council, simply submitting a request letter does not amount to formal authorisation. The council emphasised that proper protocol must be followed for any access to the palace, and Peller’s entry fell short of those requirements.
“These are standard institutional protocols and administrative procedures. For the avoidance of doubt, the Benin Traditional Council reiterates that the receipt and stamping of any correspondence by its secretariat only serve as acknowledgement of receipt and do not, in any way, imply approval by His Royal Majesty or the Benin Traditional Council. In the absence of explicit authorisation, no visit or activity is deemed sanctioned.”
This latest clarification comes amid reports that the influencer’s presence caused some disruption and embarrassment within the royal quarters.
Peller, one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising content creators and streamers with a massive following on TikTok, had streamed inside the historic Benin Palace. Many fans initially celebrated the visit as a rare cultural moment. However, the council’s insistence has now reframed the narrative, underscoring the importance of respecting traditional institutions and their established procedures.
In their statement, the council stressed the need for strict adherence to palace rules. They clarified,
“The Benin Traditional Council remains resolute in upholding the customs, traditions, and sanctity of the Benin Royal Palace.”
This direct message serves as a reminder that cultural heritage sites like the Benin Palace operate under carefully guarded traditions that cannot be lackadaisically bypassed.
The development adds another layer to a growing conversation around social media influencers and their interactions with Nigeria’s traditional rulers. While Peller has not publicly responded to the council’s latest position in the reports available, the council’s firm stance highlights the delicate balance between modern digital access and longstanding royal customs.
Supporters of the council argue that clear boundaries protect the dignity of the monarchy, while some fans of the streamer view the episode as an honest attempt at cultural engagement that merely lacked the right paperwork at worst.
All eyes are now on how Peller and his team will address the council’s declaration.