By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The Benin Traditional Council has announced the suspension of a queen of the Palace of the Oba of Benin, alongside some chiefs and staff members, over an alleged breach of palace protocol involving the unauthorised entry of a social media influencer.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Council’s Secretary, Frank Irabor, disclosed that the disciplinary action followed an incident in which Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as “Peller,” gained access to the palace premises without prior authorisation.
Irabor also revealed that a council staff member, identified as Omuemu, had been detained by the Nigeria Police Force and would be charged to court for allegedly causing a breach of the peace and facilitating the unauthorised entry.
According to the statement, the queen who featured in the incident is currently undergoing serious disciplinary proceedings in line with Benin traditions and customs. The Council noted that the outcome of the process could potentially result in her removal from the palace.
The Council further described the incident, which occurred on Friday, March 6, 2026, as a “serious breach of protocol” and a desecration of the sacred precincts of the palace. It added that the influencer and his entourage not only entered the palace without the necessary approval but also engaged in conduct that caused significant embarrassment and disruption within the palace grounds.
