By Our Correspondent
National News – The controversy surrounding the visit of popular Nigerian social media influencer, Habeeb Adelaja, widely known as Peller, to the Benin Royal Palace has intensified after Queen Ewuare publicly challenged claims by palace chiefs that the visit was unauthorized.
The development followed disciplinary actions announced by the Benin Traditional Council against the queen and some palace officials over what was described as a breach of palace protocol.
Peller, a fast-rising TikTok content creator currently touring several Nigerian cities, visited the historic Benin Palace in Edo State on March 6.
His appearance at the revered palace quickly stirred debate within traditional circles after the Benin Traditional Council alleged that the influencer gained entry without proper authorization.
In an earlier statement issued by the council’s secretary, Frank Irabor, the palace authorities condemned the visit, calling it a violation of long-standing customs guiding access to the sacred palace grounds.
The council ordered Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs to explain the circumstances of his visit and submit a written apology.
However, Queen Ewuare responded strongly through a video posted on her TikTok account, rejecting the claims that the visit was unauthorized.
According to her, the palace council had already received a formal letter informing them of Peller’s planned courtesy visit.
To support her claim, the queen shared what she described as documentary evidence—a letter stamped and acknowledged by the Benin Traditional Council on February 23, 2026.
The document reportedly informed the palace about Peller’s upcoming visit and requested a brief audience with the Oba of Benin.
Despite the evidence presented by the queen, critics argue that acknowledging receipt of a letter does not automatically mean approval was granted.
Some commentators insist that a formal response or clearance from palace authorities must be issued before such visits can take place.
Meanwhile, Peller’s management team also addressed the issue, stating that the visit followed due process.
They explained that a request had been submitted in advance and that the influencer and his team were welcomed and guided around the palace by representatives.
The Benin Traditional Council has maintained its position, emphasizing that the palace remains a sacred institution governed by centuries-old traditions and cannot serve as a location for casual visits or social media content creation.
As reactions continue across social media platforms, the dispute has sparked wider conversations about tradition, modern digital culture, and respect for Nigeria’s historical institutions.
