PELLER CONTROVERSY: QUEEN EWUARE FIRES BACK AT EDO PALACE CHIEFS

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

The controversy surrounding the visit of social media influencer Habeeb Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, to the Benin Royal Palace has escalated, with Queen Ewuare publicly disputing claims that the visit was unauthorised.

The development 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, currently on a nationwide tour, visited the palace in Benin City, Edo State, on March 6 and was reportedly received by certain palace officials—an action that 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,” directing Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs to explain his actions and tender an unreserved written apology.

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

It also disclosed that the queen involved was undergoing “serious disciplinary proceedings,” which could lead to her removal from the palace.

However, Queen Ewuare countered the claims in a video posted on her TikTok account (@queen_ewuare-_backup), insisting that the narrative being circulated was misleading.

Sharing what she described as evidence, the queen posted a letter bearing an acknowledgement stamp from the Benin Traditional Council, which she said confirmed that Peller’s visit had been formally communicated beforehand.

“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 said.

The letter, dated February 23, 2026, and titled ‘Courtesy Visit’ and addressed to Oba Ewuare II, formally notified the palace of Peller’s planned visit and requested a brief audience.

“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.

While the queen maintains that the stamped acknowledgement validates the visit, critics argue that acknowledgment does not amount to official approval.

The controversy has since sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some supporting the queen and others questioning the legitimacy of the claimed authorization.

“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 disagreed, noting, “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.

Another commenter, Liberty Okoromi, stressed the sanctity of the palace, saying, “The palace is not a marketplace. It is a sacred place of tradition. We must respect our heritage.”

Amid the backlash, Peller’s management released 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 moved to March 6.

The team said they were informed that the Oba would not be available but were 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 perceived misconduct was unintentional, attributing it to excitement and the warm 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 misunderstandings.

Despite this, the Benin Traditional Council has maintained its stance, emphasising that the palace is not a place 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 development, the council disclosed that a palace staff member, 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 peace.

It added that law enforcement agencies have been placed on alert and may take further action against those involved.