Management for Influencer Peller Issues Official Apology and Clarifies Protocol Following Contentious Benin Palace Visit

Peller's team clarifies the Benin palace visit protocol, apologizing for unintentional disrespect and confirming a formal request was made.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 9:34 AM EDT

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

The Administrative Defense of a Controversial Visit

The management team representing digital influencer Hamzat Habeeb Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, has moved to de-escalate tensions with the Benin Traditional Council through a detailed public clarification. According to the official statement released on March 19, the visit was not an impulsive act but a pre-planned event facilitated by Uyiekpen Ogiefa, the son of a high-ranking Benin chief. The management revealed that a formal letter requesting a courtesy visit was submitted to the palace as early as February 23, 2024. This disclosure aims to counter allegations from the council that the trip was entirely unauthorized, suggesting instead that there may have been a breakdown in internal communication within the palace administration.

Navigating the Absence of the Monarch

The statement further clarified that the influencer's team was explicitly informed prior to the visit that Oba Ewuare II would be unavailable for a personal audience. Despite this, the group maintains they were officially received by Uyiekpen Ogiefa and a collective of palace chiefs who served as guides. According to the management, these officials provided an educational tour of the palace, sharing insights into the rich history and cultural traditions of the Benin Kingdom. By emphasizing that they were welcomed and guided by recognized figures within the traditional hierarchy, Peller’s representatives are attempting to shift the narrative from one of intrusion to one of supervised engagement that unfortunately resulted in unintended consequences.

A Sincere Apology for Unintentional Cultural Slips

Addressing the specific moments that sparked public backlash, the management attributed any perceived inappropriate behavior to youthful excitement rather than a lack of respect. They admitted to possible mispronunciations and actions that may have offended traditional sensibilities, describing these as "purely human" errors influenced by the warmth of their reception. According to the statement, Peller’s primary mission is the promotion of Nigerian culture, and he holds the heritage of the Benin Kingdom in high regard. The apology emphasizes that the influencer never intended to desecrate the sacred precincts and expresses deep regret for the misunderstandings that have led to disciplinary actions against palace staff.