The Benin Traditional Council on Tuesday insisted that popular streamer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, had no approval to visit the palace.

Reacting to claims by Peller and his management, the council’s secretary, Frank Irabor, said in a statement that the submission of a letter of request and its acknowledgement do not constitute approval.

Irabor said, “The attention of the Benin Traditional Council has been drawn to recent public reactions following its press release concerning the abominable and unauthorised visit to the Palace of the Oba of Benin by Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as ‘Peller,’ and his manager.

“Ordinarily, the Benin tradition would not warrant further engagement on such matters.

“However, given the level of misinformation and ignorance displayed by Peller and his manager, it has become necessary to set the record straight.

“It is a well-known principle in any formal establishment that the submission of a letter of request, and the mere stamping or acknowledgement of such a letter, does not constitute approval.

“These are standard institutional protocols and administrative procedures. For the avoidance of doubt, the Benin Traditional Council reiterates that the receipt and stamping of any correspondence by its secretariat only serve as acknowledgement of receipt and do not, in any way, imply approval by His Royal Majesty or the Benin Traditional Council. In the absence of explicit authorisation, no visit or activity is deemed sanctioned.”

The council urged Peller and his manager to state publicly whether any formal written approval was granted, adding that it was also important to clarify whether their request disclosed any intention to visit any of the Iloi (Queens).

He also said, “As previously communicated, matters arising from the unauthorised visit are currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings. Peller has been invited to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, and the council will not be drawn into public discourse on issues already being addressed through the appropriate internal channels.

“The Benin Traditional Council remains resolute in upholding the customs, traditions, and sanctity of the Benin Royal Palace.”

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the council, on March 17, said a queen who allegedly granted the streamer access to the palace could face possible removal. Peller got no approval for palace visit, Benin Council insists (The PUNCH)

Update news