The Benin Palace Traditional Council (BTC) has commenced disciplinary proceedings against a queen in the palace following an alleged breach of protocol involving popular content creator Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller.
The incident, which occurred on March 6, 2026, has been described by palace authorities as a serious desecration of the sacred seat of Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin.In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, the council detailed the gravity of the situation and outlined the steps being taken to address what it views as a fundamental violation of palace rules and traditional sanctity.
The Incident
According to the council’s account, Peller and his entourage allegedly gained access to the palace without proper authorization, causing disruption and bringing embarrassment to the revered institution. The statement emphasized that the Benin Palace is not a public space for casual visits or content creation but a highly respected traditional institution with centuries of history and protocol.
The presence of content creators and social media personalities within the palace grounds without following established procedures has been viewed as a direct affront to the dignity of the throne. Traditional institutions across Nigeria have increasingly grappled with the tension between maintaining sacred spaces and the public’s desire for access and content.
Palace Officials Face Consequences
The investigation into the breach has already yielded significant consequences for palace insiders. According to the statement, a chief linked to the incident has been suspended indefinitely, pending the outcome of full investigations. The suspension signals the council’s determination to hold even high-ranking officials accountable for security lapses.Additionally, a palace staff member has been detained and charged by the Nigeria Police Force for allegedly aiding the breach.
This criminal aspect of the case underscores the seriousness with which both the palace and security agencies are treating the incident.
Queen Faces Disciplinary Action
Most significantly, the council confirmed that a queen involved in the incident is currently facing serious disciplinary proceedings. The statement indicated that these proceedings could lead to her removal from the palace “in line with tradition.
This represents one of the most severe sanctions available to the council and underscores the gravity of the alleged breach.The involvement of a queen in facilitating or participating in the incident has added a layer of complexity to the situation. In Benin tradition, queens hold respected positions within the palace hierarchy, and any misconduct carries significant implications for the entire institution.
Peller Summoned, Yet to Respond
The council has summoned Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs to explain his actions and the circumstances surrounding his visit to the palace. As of the date of the statement, Peller has not responded to the summons or appeared before the committee.In a significant escalation, the council has now issued a directive demanding Peller’s immediate appearance before the committee and a written apology for the breach.
The statement warned that failure to comply with these demands may result in legal action, with security agencies already placed on alert to enforce compliance if necessary.The ultimatum places Peller, a popular figure with millions of followers across social media platforms, in a difficult position. Failure to appear could trigger legal consequences and potentially damage his relationship with traditional institutions and his fan base in the region.
The Palace as Sacred Space
Throughout its statement, the Benin Traditional Council emphasized that the palace is not merely a tourist attraction or content creation location but a living traditional institution where the Oba of Benin holds court and where centuries-old customs are observed daily.The statement reflects growing concerns among traditional institutions across Nigeria about the behavior of content creators and social media personalities who may not fully appreciate or respect the protocols governing sacred spaces. Similar incidents have occurred in other palaces and traditional settings, prompting calls for greater education and enforcement.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights the complex intersection of traditional authority, modern content creation, and social media culture. For influencers like Peller, access to high-profile locations and personalities drives engagement and viewership. However, traditional institutions operate under different rules—ones that prioritize dignity, protocol, and centuries of custom over virality.
The case also demonstrates the evolving relationship between traditional rulers and the Nigerian state. By involving the Nigeria Police Force and threatening legal action, the Benin Traditional Council shows that it can leverage state power to enforce its protocols and protect its sanctity.
What’s Next
As the disciplinary proceedings continue against the queen and the suspended chief, all eyes will be on Peller’s response to the council’s ultimatum. Whether he chooses to appear before the committee, offer the demanded apology, or risk legal consequences will determine how this incident ultimately resolves.
For the Benin Traditional Council, the message is clear: the palace is not a playground, and those who treat it as such—whether palace insiders or external visitors—will face consequences. As the council works to restore the dignity of the throne, one thing is certain: this incident will serve as a precedent for how traditional institutions handle future breaches in an age of content creation and social media fame.
Peller please be careful