The controversy over social media influencer Habeeb Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, visiting the Benin Royal Palace has intensified, with Queen Ewuare publicly challenging claims that the trip was unauthorised.
The dispute follows the suspension of Queen Ewuare, several chiefs, and a palace staff member by the Benin Traditional Council, which described Peller’s March 6 visit as a “desecration of the sacred precincts of the palace.”
In a statement signed by Secretary Frank Irabor, the council condemned the visit as a “breach of protocol” and ordered Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs to explain his actions and issue a written apology. The council also claimed that the queen involved could face “serious disciplinary proceedings,” possibly leading to her removal from the palace.
Responding swiftly, Queen Ewuare used her TikTok account (@queen_ewuare-_backup) on Thursday to refute the council’s claims, insisting the narrative was misleading and that Peller’s visit had been formally communicated to the palace.
“Hello everyone, the issues at hand aren’t just because Peller came to the palace or because I gifted him; a lot has been happening behind closed doors. The Benin Traditional Council lied that Peller’s visit was unauthorised and that I brought him to the palace. I hope I will be able to convince you all that Peller’s visit was authorised,” she said.
The queen shared a letter titled “Courtesy Visit,” signed by Uyiekpen Ogiefa and addressed to Oba Ewuare II, notifying the palace of Peller’s planned visit. The document, dated February 23, 2026, bears a council acknowledgement stamp.
“With utmost respect and humility, we write to formally inform the palace of the planned visit of a very prominent online streamer, Peller, to Benin… on March 3, 2026,” part of the letter reads. Queen Ewuare insisted that this validated the visit, calling the council’s claims “lies.”
Despite this, critics argue that acknowledgement of a letter does not necessarily constitute formal approval. Social media reactions have been mixed: some users defended the queen, while others questioned the legitimacy of the claimed authorisation.
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“You will overcome, my great Queen. You are a beacon of light and a worthy representation of Edo women,” wrote TikTok user Riemen. Another Facebook user, Osasuyi James, argued: “A letter being acknowledged does not mean approval has been granted. There must be a formal response confirming the visit.”
Peller’s management also released a statement, emphasising that the visit followed due process. The team explained that the courtesy visit request was submitted on February 23, initially scheduled for March 3 but later moved to March 6. Though the Oba was unavailable, palace officials welcomed Peller, guided him through the palace, and explained its history and traditions.
“They were welcomed, guided through the palace, and educated on its history and traditions. Any actions perceived as inappropriate were unintentional, influenced by excitement and the warmth of the reception,” the statement said.
The team added: “Peller is deeply passionate about promoting Nigerian culture and would never intentionally disrespect the heritage he seeks to showcase,” apologising for any misconceptions arising from the visit.
The Benin Traditional Council, however, remains firm, stressing that the palace is not a site for casual visits or content creation. “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 council said.
In a further development, the council revealed that a palace staff member, Mr Omuemu, had been detained by the Nigeria Police Force and charged in court for allegedly facilitating unauthorised access and breaching palace peace. Law enforcement remains on alert for further action.
This unfolding saga highlights the tensions between tradition, modern social influence, and protocol in one of Nigeria’s most storied monarchies.