The Benin Traditional Council says the queen who allowed streamer ‘Peller’ into the palace without authorisation risks being removed.
The incident occurred on March 6 when Peller, born Habeeb Hamzat, visited Benin City as part of a nationwide tour and was received by the queen within the palace.
A video of the encounter, in which Peller referred to her as “the Queen for real,” circulated widely online.
The queen was also seen presenting him with framed photographs and gift items, including boxes of perfumes.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Frank Irabor, secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, described the action as a serious breach of protocol and a desecration of the palace’s sacred grounds.
The council said neither Peller nor his entourage sought or obtained the required permission before entering the palace.
“Mr Adelaja and his entourage entered the Palace without the requisite permission from the council, and their subsequent conduct caused significant embarrassment and a breach of the peace within the palace grounds,” the statement reads in part.
“The Benin Traditional Council views this incident with the utmost gravity. 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.”
According to the council, a preliminary investigation has been concluded, leading to disciplinary actions against palace staff and chiefs involved in the incident.
The statement noted that a chief has been suspended indefinitely, while a staff member identified as Omuemu has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force and charged in court for causing a breach of the peace and aiding unauthorised entry.
It also confirmed that the queen involved is now facing serious disciplinary proceedings in line with Benin customs and traditions.
“Specifically, a chief who was implicated in the incident has been suspended indefinitely from the palace. A staff member of the Benin Traditional Council, identified as Mr Omuemu, has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force. He has been charged in court for causing a breach of the peace and abetting the unauthorised entry,” it said.
“Furthermore, it is with deep regret that the council confirms that a Queen of the palace who was unfortunately featured in the incident is now facing serious disciplinary proceedings. In accordance with Benin traditions and customs, these proceedings may inadvertently result in her removal from the palace.”
The council also invited Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs to address the matter.
“The council is therefore using this public medium to demand that Mr Adelaja presents himself immediately to the relevant authorities within the council. His unapproved visit has caused untold distress to many people, and as such, he must tender an unreserved written apology to the palace for his unauthorised access and the embarrassment caused,” it said.
“Failure to comply with this directive will leave the council with no option but to pursue legal action. The appropriate law enforcement agencies have been duly informed of this matter and are standing by to take necessary action against him.”
Peller had earlier announced a 20-state tour across Nigeria, which commenced in March, with planned visits to Ibadan, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, Kogi, Kano, Kaduna, Abuja, Borno, Edo, Port Harcourt, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Enugu, Niger, and Ebonyi.