The controversy surrounding the visit of social media influencer, Habeeb Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, to the Benin Royal Palace has taken a dramatic turn, as Queen Ewuare of the Benin Kingdom publicly challenged claims that the visit was unauthorised.

The queen’s response follows 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 sacred precincts of the palace.”

Peller, who is currently on a nationwide tour, visited the palace in Benin City, Edo State, on March 6.

He was reportedly received by certain palace officials during the visit, which later sparked outrage within traditional circles.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, the council condemned the visit as a “breach of protocol,” ordering Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs to explain his actions and tender an unreserved written apology.

The council further alleged that Peller and his entourage gained access to the palace without the requisite approval, adding that their conduct caused “significant embarrassment” and disrupted the peace within the palace grounds.

It also disclosed that the queen involved in the incident was facing “serious disciplinary proceedings,” which could ultimately result in her removal from the palace.

Queen pushes back

However, in a swift public rebuttal, Queen Ewuare took to her TikTok account (@queen_ewuare-_backup) on Thursday to contest the council’s claims, insisting that the narrative being circulated was misleading.

A review by Saturday PUNCH indicates that the queen made her first video post on the TikTok account on March 26, 2022.

An examination of the page, which now boasts over two million followers, further shows that she consistently shares photos and video content featuring herself and the Oba of Benin during personal engagements and official royal ceremonies.

Sharing what she described as documentary evidence, the queen posted a copy of a letter bearing an acknowledgement stamp from the Benin Traditional Council, which she said proved that Peller’s visit had been formally communicated to the palace ahead of time.

The queen explained that the controversy surrounding Peller’s presence at the palace was influenced by misleading claims from the BTC.

“Hello everyone, the issues at hand aren’t just because Peller came to the palace or because I gifted him; a lot has been happening behind closed doors.

“The Benin Traditional Council lied that Peller’s visit was unauthorised and that I brought him to the palace. I hope I will be able to convince you all that Peller’s visit was authorised.

“Look at the stamp on this letter; it shows it was received by the Benin Traditional Council, but they’re all lying against me. But this isn’t even the main problem; there are other issues far bigger than what you all think,” she wrote.

The queen also expressed appreciation to supporters who had reached out to check on her following the development.

The disputed letter

The document shared by the queen, observed by Saturday PUNCH, carries a stamp and signature indicating it was received by the council on February 23, 2026.

Titled ‘Courtesy Visit’ and addressed to Oba Ewuare II, the letter was signed by Uyiekpen Ogiefa. It formally notified the palace of Peller’s planned visit to Benin and requested a brief audience with the monarch.

“With utmost respect and humility, we write to formally inform the palace of the planned visit of a very prominent online streamer, Peller, to Benin, and to the revered palace of the Oba of Benin on March 3, 2026,” the letter partly read.

It further stated that Ogiefa, son of Chief Courage Uyi Ogiefa, would accompany the influencer during the visit.

However, while the queen maintains that the acknowledgement validates the visit, critics argue that receipt of a letter does not equate to formal approval.

The development has since triggered mixed reactions across social media platforms, with supporters and critics offering sharply different interpretations.

Some users rallied behind the queen, expressing confidence in her position.

“You will overcome, my great Queen. You are a beacon of light and a worthy representation of Edo women,” a TikTok user, Riemen, wrote.

Others, however, questioned the legitimacy of the claimed authorisation.

“A letter being acknowledged does not mean approval has been granted. There must be a formal response confirming the visit,” a Facebook user, Osasuyi James, argued, urging the release of any official reply from the palace.

Another user, Liberty Okoromi, emphasised the sanctity of the palace, noting that access must strictly adhere to established customs.

“The palace is not a marketplace. It is a sacred place of tradition. We must respect our heritage,” he said, while calling for leniency towards the influencer.

Peller’s team responds

Amid the growing controversy, Peller’s management issued a statement on Instagram, insisting that due process was followed and that the visit was not intended to disrespect Benin culture.

According to the statement, a formal request was submitted on February 23 for a courtesy visit initially scheduled for March 3 but later shifted to March 6.

The team acknowledged that they were informed in advance that the Oba would not be available, but were nonetheless permitted to visit and were received by palace representatives.

“They were welcomed, guided through the palace, and educated on its history and traditions,” the statement read.

It added that any actions perceived as inappropriate were unintentional, attributing them to excitement and the warmth of the reception.

“Peller is deeply passionate about promoting Nigerian culture and would never intentionally disrespect the heritage he seeks to showcase,” the statement added, while also apologising for any misconceptions arising from the visit.

Despite these, the Benin Traditional Council has maintained its hardline stance, reiterating that the palace is not a venue for casual visits or content creation.

“The palace is not a public thoroughfare or a location for frivolous content creation. It is the ancient and spiritual seat of the Oba of Benin, governed by centuries of tradition, custom, and sacred protocols,” the council stated.

In a further twist, the council disclosed that a palace staff member, identified as Mr Omuemu, had been detained by the Nigeria Police Force and charged in court for allegedly aiding the unauthorised entry and causing a breach of the peace.

It added that law enforcement agencies had been placed on alert and could take further action against those involved. (Saturday PUNCH)

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