The dispute surrounding the visit of social media personality, Habeeb Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, to the Benin Royal Palace has deepened, as Queen Ewuare dismissed claims by palace authorities that the trip was unauthorised.
The development follows disciplinary action taken against the queen by the Benin Traditional Council, which accused her and others of violating palace protocols in what it described as a desecration of the revered premises.
Peller, who is currently touring parts of the country, visited the palace in Benin City, Edo State, on March 6, where he was reportedly received by some palace functionaries, a move that sparked controversy within traditional circles.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Secretary, Frank Irabor, the Benin Traditional Council faulted the visit, describing it as a breach of established procedures. The council directed the influencer to appear before a panel of chiefs to explain his actions and tender a written apology.
It further alleged that Peller and his team gained access to the palace without proper clearance, adding that the incident caused embarrassment and disrupted activities within the palace.
The council also disclosed that the queen involved was undergoing disciplinary proceedings that could lead to her removal from the palace.
Reacting on Thursday via her TikTok account, Queen Ewuare rejected the allegations, insisting that the narrative being circulated by the council was inaccurate.
She presented what she described as evidence of prior notification, including a document bearing an acknowledgment stamp from the council, which she said showed that the visit had been formally communicated ahead of time.
According to the queen, the controversy goes beyond Peller’s visit, alleging that there were underlying issues not yet made public.
She maintained that the council’s claim that the visit was unauthorised was misleading, urging the public to examine the stamped document as proof that due process was followed.
The document, dated February 23, 2026, and titled ‘Courtesy Visit,’ was addressed to the Oba of Benin and signed by Uyiekpen Ogiefa.
It notified the palace of the influencer’s planned visit and requested an audience with the monarch.
While the queen insisted the acknowledgment validates the visit, critics argued that receiving a letter does not amount to official approval without a formal response granting permission.
The controversy has since generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users backing the queen’s position, while others questioned the legitimacy of the alleged authorisation.
Meanwhile, Peller’s management, in a statement shared on Instagram, said proper procedures were followed and that the visit was not intended to disrespect Benin customs.
The team explained that a request for the visit was submitted on February 23, with the initial date of March 3 later shifted to March 6.
It added that although they were informed of the monarch’s unavailability, they were allowed into the palace and received by designated officials.
According to the statement, the influencer and his team were guided around the palace and introduced to aspects of its history and traditions, adding that any perceived misconduct was unintentional.
Despite these explanations, the Benin Traditional Council has maintained its stance, stressing that the palace is a sacred institution governed by long-standing customs and not a venue for casual visits or content creation.
In a related development, the council disclosed that a palace staff member identified as Mr Omuemu had been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force and arraigned in court for allegedly facilitating the unauthorised access and causing a breach of peace.
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The council added that security agencies remain on alert as investigations continue into the incident.
