TikTok Creator Peller Attributes Benin Palace Protocol Breach to Management as Traditional Council Demands Formal Apology

TikTok's Peller blames management for unauthorized Benin Palace visit as Oba Ewuare II's council demands apology. Read about the N395m lawsuit and palace sanctions.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 5:42 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP

A Factional Dispute Over Palace Etiquette

The Benin Traditional Council has formally condemned a March 6 visit by popular TikTok creator Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, widely known as Peller, labeling the entry into the palace of Oba Ewuare II a significant breach of traditional protocol. This unauthorized appearance has triggered a series of internal disciplinary measures within the palace hierarchy, including the suspension of a high ranking chief and the active prosecution of a palace staff member. The council’s sharp reaction underscores the sensitivity of royal customs in Benin and the strict regulations governing access to the monarch.

Management Directives and Personal Denials

In a recent live broadcast, Peller addressed the escalating situation by shifting the focus of responsibility toward his professional handlers. He claimed that his management team was responsible for coordinating the logistics of the visit and that he acted solely on their instructions. Peller maintained that he was entirely unaware of the specific protocol requirements at the time of the event, asserting that his personal conduct while within the palace walls remained respectful despite the lack of formal clearance.

Traditional Council Mandates and Legal Warnings

The Benin Traditional Council has not accepted the creator's defense, instead summoning him to appear before a designated committee of chiefs. According to palace officials, Peller is required to submit a formal written apology to the throne to mitigate the damage caused by the procedural lapse. The council has explicitly warned that a failure to comply with these traditional demands could lead to further legal complications, as the palace seeks to uphold the sanctity of its ancient heritage against unauthorized digital content creation.