Benin Council Sanctions Officials Over Influencer's Palace Breach

The Benin Traditional Council announced sanctions against palace officials and a queen on Tuesday for facilitating the unauthorized entry of social media influencer Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, known as Peller, into the Oba of Benin's palace in Benin City, Nigeria, on March 6, 2026.

The council, in a statement signed by its secretary, Frank Irabor, described the incident as a serious breach of protocol that desecrated the sacred palace grounds. Peller, who was on a nationwide tour, and his entourage entered the premises without the required permission, leading to activities that caused embarrassment and disrupted the peace, according to the statement. The palace, as the ancient spiritual seat of Oba Ewuare II, is governed by longstanding traditions and is not open for casual visits or content creation, the council emphasized.

Following a preliminary investigation, the council imposed disciplinary measures on those involved. A implicated chief has been suspended indefinitely from palace duties. A staff member, identified as Mr. Omuemu, was detained by the Nigeria Police Force and charged in court with causing a breach of the peace and aiding the unauthorized entry. The council...