Popular social media influencer and TikToker Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, has declared his resolve not to honour the summon by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) over his alleged unauthorised access to the palace grounds on March 6, 2026, for content creation.
Peller’s stance was declared in a clip from his ongoing nationwide tour in which he bluntly stated: “See, I nor dey go; I nor dey go Benin o”. Even when a female voice suggested that he sent somebody from his team to represent him, he rejected it, stating that “Who represent, dem go catch am, dem go go put am for jail” (Whoever represents me, the person will be arrested and put in jail).
Newsmata.com.ng reports that Peller stirred controversy when the video shot in the palace of the Oba of Benin, Ewuare 11 went viral on social media causing furore that extended to the royal household with one of the queens facing banishment.
A statement on Tuesday March 17, 2026, by the BTC signed by its Secretary, Frank Irabor, summoned Peller to face a committee of Chiefs constituted to unravel how he entered the palace, and an apology demanded from him for the embarrassment caused or face legal action.
The BTC said Peller’s presence in the palace constituted “a serious breach of protocol and desecration of the sacred precincts of the Palace.”
Furthermore, a Chief who was implicated in what the BTC described as a “mischievous act”, has been suspended indefinitely from the Palace.
However, refuting the claim of an “unauthorised access”, the controversial content creator identified the facilitator of his visit as one Uyiekpen Ogiefa, son of Chief Courage Uyi Ogiefa, the N’ozeben of the Benin Kingdom, who apparently is the chief that had been suspended indefinitely.
In a statement on his behalf by his management team, Peller hinted that a formal letter requesting for a courtesy visit to the Oba on March 3, 2026, had been submitted February 23, 2026, but that it was later moved to 6th of March.
The statement claimed that the letter was acknowledged but the request declined because the Oba of Benin would not be available during the visit.
Acknowledging the misconceptions that could have arisen from the visit, the statement sincerely apologised for “any such misunderstandings”, insisting that “At no point was it the mission or intention to offend or disrespect” in any way the Nigerian culture he is committed to showcasing to the world.
The statement reads:
“We would like to sincerely address the concerns surrounding Peller’s recent visit to the Benin Kingdom. First and foremost, we acknowledge the deep cultural significance of the Benin Kingdom and extend our utmost respect to its traditions, heritage and people.
“Peller and his team, with the facilitation of Uyiekpen Ogiefa, son of Chief Courage Uyi Ogiefa, the N’ozeben of the Benin Kingdom, formally submitted a letter on February 23rd to the palace requesting a courtesy visit scheduled for March 3rd, and it was later moved to March 6th (letter attached herein).
“Ahead of the visit, the team was clearly informed that the Oba would not be available. However, they were graciously welcomed to the palace, with arrangements made for them to be received by Uyiekpen Ogiefa and the palace chiefs, as well as guided through the palace while being educated on its history, culture, and traditions.
“This was fully respected, and the visit proceeded accordingly. That said, we understand that certain moments during the visit may have been perceived as inappropriate. We sincerely wish to clarify that this was never the intention. Any mispronunciations or actions were unintentional and purely human, possibly influenced by excitement and the warmth of the reception.
“Peller is deeply passionate about promoting Nigerian culture, and it would never be his intention to disrespect the very heritage he is committed to showcasing to the world. At no point was it the mission or intention to offend or disrespect the culture in any way.
“We, however, acknowledge that there may have been misconceptions arising from the visit and sincerely apologize for any such misunderstandings. We appreciate the feedback and the continued support.”