… Tightens Palace access protocols
BENIN CITY — The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has acted decisively following a brazen breach of Palace protocol, which saw social media influencer Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as “Peller,” gain unauthorized access to the sacred precincts of the Palace of the Oba of Benin on Friday, 6 March 2026.
In a press statement signed by the BTC Secretary, Frank Irabor, the Council described the incident as a serious desecration of the Palace’s sanctity and a direct affront to centuries-old customs and traditions.
“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 statement read.
According to the BTC, Mr. Adelaja and his entourage entered the Palace without requisite permission, causing significant embarrassment and disturbing the peace within the royal grounds.
Following a preliminary investigation, the Council took swift disciplinary action against those who facilitated the influencer’s unauthorized entry.
A Palace Chief implicated in the incident has been suspended indefinitely, while a staff member of the Council, Mr. Omuemu, has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force and charged to court for causing a breach of the peace and abetting the intrusion.
“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 BTC confirmed that Mr. Adelaja was formally invited to appear before a committee of Chiefs to provide his account of the incident.
However, he has reportedly failed to honour the invitation.
The Council is now using this public medium to demand that he present himself immediately and tender an unreserved written apology for the embarrassment caused.
The statement warned that failure to comply would compel the Council to pursue legal action, noting that the appropriate law enforcement agencies have already been notified and are prepared to act.
The Council’s Secretary, Mr. Frank Irabor, emphasised the institution’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the traditions of the Benin Kingdom.
“While unscrupulous elements may occasionally attempt to undermine our sacred Institutions, banking on the fatherly and forgiving disposition of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, they do so at their peril,” the statement read.
The BTC further assured the public that it possesses the institutional tools to correct such infractions and prevent future occurrences.
The Benin Traditional Council pledged to continue upholding the sanctity and dignity of the throne, warning that any further violations would be met with strict consequences.
Meanwhile, BTC has officially reviewed and tightened access protocols to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, following growing concerns over unauthorised entries that threaten the dignity and sanctity of the historic institution.
In a statement signed by BTC Secretary Frank Irabor, the council expressed “grave concern” over the increasing number of individuals and groups gaining access without due process, calling such actions a “breach of our time-honoured traditions that undermines the sanctity of the Palace.”
The statement explained that the revised protocol is intended to preserve the security, dignity, and sacredness of the Palace.
Going forward, any person wishing to visit the Oba must submit a formal written application to the BTC office.
Visits will only be allowed upon receipt of explicit approval and a scheduled appointment.
Under the new rules, loitering, unauthorized wandering, or aimless movement within the Palace grounds is strictly prohibited.
All visitors are required to be escorted by a designated Palace or BTC official to their intended destination.
The council emphasised that any attempt to enter or remain on Palace premises without proper approval, permit, or valid reason will be considered a serious violation of tradition and law.
Offenders will be apprehended and made to face appropriate consequences.
The BTC said the measures are not only intended to safeguard the Palace as a cultural and spiritual landmark but also to reinforce respect for centuries-old customs that have preserved the Oba’s authority and the identity of the Benin Kingdom.
The council urged members of the public, including social media influencers, tourists, and dignitaries, to comply fully with the new protocols to prevent incidents that could compromise the Palace’s security or cultural integrity.
