Peller Benin palace visit controversy deepens as Queen Ewuare disputes allegations
Peller Benin palace visit controversy deepens as Queen Ewuare disputes allegations
The controversy surrounding the visit of social media influencer Habeeb Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, to the Benin Royal Palace has taken a new twist, with Queen Ewuare challenging claims that the visit was unauthorised.
The queen’s reaction followed her suspension by the Benin Traditional Council, alongside some chiefs and a palace staff member, over what the council described as a desecration of the palace’s sacred grounds.
Peller had visited the palace in Benin City, Edo State, on March 6 as part of his nationwide tour.
In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, the council described the visit as a breach of palace protocol.
It directed Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs to explain his actions and submit a written apology.
The council also alleged that the influencer and his team gained access without proper approval, causing embarrassment and disrupting peace within the palace.
However, Queen Ewuare rejected the allegations in a video shared on her TikTok page, insisting that the claims were misleading.
She presented what she described as documentary evidence, including a letter bearing an acknowledgement stamp from the council, which she said showed that Peller’s visit had been formally communicated ahead of time.
According to the queen, the issue surrounding the visit goes beyond Peller’s presence at the palace.
She accused the council of misrepresenting facts and maintained that the visit was authorised, adding that there were deeper matters behind the ongoing dispute.
The letter shared by the queen, dated February 23, 2026, was addressed to the Oba of Benin and signed by Uyiekpen Ogiefa.
It informed the palace of Peller’s planned visit and requested a brief audience with the monarch.
While the queen argued that the stamped acknowledgement supported her claim, critics maintained that receiving a letter does not necessarily mean formal approval was granted.
The development has generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users supporting the queen and others stressing the need to respect palace traditions.
Many commentators emphasised that access to the palace must follow established customs.
Meanwhile, Peller’s management team defended the visit, stating that due process was followed and that there was no intention to disrespect Benin culture.
The team explained that a formal request had been submitted earlier and that palace representatives received them and guided them through the palace.
Despite these explanations, the Benin Traditional Council maintained its position, stressing that the palace is not a venue for casual visits or content creation.
The council also disclosed that a palace staff member accused of aiding the visit had been detained by the police and charged in court for allegedly facilitating unauthorised entry and breaching peace within the palace.
