Digital Influencer Peller Defies Benin Traditional Council Summons Following Alleged Sacred Palace Protocol Breach

Social media star Peller refuses to return to Benin City after unauthorized palace visit. Read the latest on the BTC legal warnings and palace suspensions.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 9:28 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Legit.ng

A Public Stand Against Traditional Authority

The ongoing tension between digital creator Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja and the Benin Traditional Council reached a new peak following his refusal to return to Benin City for a formal inquiry. During a recent livestream as part of his nationwide tour, the influencer, popularly known as Peller, explicitly stated his intention to ignore the summons issued by the monarch’s palace. This declaration comes after weeks of escalating friction regarding a March 6 visit that traditional authorities have characterized as a grave desecration of sacred grounds. By publicly challenging the directive, the streamer has moved the controversy from a private administrative matter into a high stakes public debate regarding the intersection of modern influencer culture and ancient traditional governance.

The Fallout of an Unauthorized Palace Entry

The roots of the current standoff lie in what the Benin Traditional Council describes as a serious breach of protocol during Peller’s recent visit to the palace precincts. According to BTC Secretary Frank Irabor, the influencer’s entry was not granted through proper channels, leading to a significant investigation into how such a lapse occurred. The council has acted swiftly to address the internal failure, detaining palace staff and indefinitely suspending at least one high ranking chief who facilitated the encounter. Furthermore, reports indicate that a member of the royal family involved in the incident is currently facing disciplinary proceedings that could result in their permanent removal from the palace, illustrating the severity with which the kingdom views the violation of its centuries old customs.

Safety Concerns and Management Representation

In justifying his refusal to appear before the council, Peller has cited concerns over the safety and freedom of his professional circle. During his livestream, a collaborator suggested that the influencer had considered sending his management team to address the committee of chiefs in his place. However, Peller reportedly rejected this compromise, expressing a fear that his representatives might be held as collateral or hostages by local authorities. This rhetoric suggests a deep seated distrust between the Lagos based creator and the Edo State traditional institution. The influencer’s stance highlights a growing trend where digital figures r...