₦airaland Forum

The controversy surrounding the visit of social media influencer, Habeeb Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, to the Benin Royal Palace has taken a dramatic turn, as Queen Ewuare of the Benin Kingdom publicly challenged claims that the visit was unauthorised.

The queen’s response follows her suspension by the Benin Traditional Council, alongside some chiefs and a palace staff member, over what the council described as a “desecration of the sacred precincts of the palace.”

Peller, who is currently on a nationwide tour, visited the palace in Benin City, Edo State, on March 6.

He was reportedly received by certain palace officials during the visit, which later sparked outrage within traditional circles.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, the council condemned the visit as a “breach of protocol,” ordering Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs to explain his actions and tender an unreserved written apology.

The council further alleged that Peller and his entourage gained access to the palace without the requisite approval, adding that their conduct caused “significant embarrassment” and disrupted the peace within the palace grounds.

It also disclosed that the queen involved in the incident was facing “serious disciplinary proceedings,” which could ultimately result in her removal from the palace.

Queen pushes back

However, in a swift public rebuttal, Queen Ewuare took to her TikTok account (@queen_ewuare-_backup) on Thursday to contest the council’s claims, insisting that the narrative being circulated was misleading.

A review by Saturday PUNCH indicates that the queen made her first video post on the TikTok account on March 26, 2022.

An examination of the page, which now boasts over two million followers, further shows that she consistently shares photos and video content featuring herself and the Oba of Benin during personal engagements and official royal ceremonies.

Sharing what she described as documentary evidence, the queen posted a copy of a letter bearing an acknowledgement stamp from the Benin Traditional Council, which she said proved that Peller’s visit had been formally communicated to the palace ahead of time.

The queen explained that the controversy surrounding Peller’s presence at the palace was influenced by misleading claims from the BTC.

“Hello everyone, the issues at hand aren’t just because Peller came to the palace or because I gifted him; a lot has been happening behind closed doors.

“The Benin Traditional Council lied that Peller’s visit was unauthorised and that I brought him to the palace. I hope I will be able to convince you all that Peller’s visit was authorised.

“Look at the stamp on this letter; it shows it was received by the Benin Traditional Council, but they’re all lying against me. But this isn’t even the main problem; there are other issues far bigger than what you all think,” she wrote.

The queen also expressed appreciation to supporters who had reached out to check on her following the development.

The disputed letter

The document shared by the queen, observed by Saturday PUNCH, carries a stamp and signature indicating it was received by the council on February 23, 2026.

Titled ‘Courtesy Visit’ and addressed to Oba Ewuare II, the letter was signed by Uyiekpen Ogiefa. It formally notified the palace of Peller’s planned visit to Benin and requested a brief audience with the monarch.

“With utmost respect and humility, we write to formally inform the palace of the planned visit of a very prominent online streamer, Peller, to Benin, and to the revered palace of the Oba of Benin on March 3, 2026,” the letter partly read.


It further stated that Ogiefa, son of Chief Courage Uyi Ogiefa, would accompany the influencer during the visit.

However, while the queen maintains that the acknowledgement validates the visit, critics argue that receipt of a letter does not equate to formal approval.

The development has since triggered mixed reactions across social media platforms, with supporters and critics offering sharply different interpretations.

Some users rallied behind the queen, expressing confidence in her position.

“You will overcome, my great Queen. You are a beacon of light and a worthy representation of Edo women,” a TikTok user, Riemen, wrote.

Others, however, questioned the legitimacy of the claimed authorisation.

“A letter being acknowledged does not mean approval has been granted. There must be a formal response confirming the visit,” a Facebook user, Osasuyi James, argued, urging the release of any official reply from the palace.

Another user, Liberty Okoromi, emphasised the sanctity of the palace, noting that access must strictly adhere to established customs.

“The palace is not a marketplace. It is a sacred place of tradition. We must respect our heritage,” he said, while calling for leniency towards the influencer.

Peller’s team responds


Amid the growing controversy, Peller’s management issued a statement on Instagram, insisting that due process was followed and that the visit was not intended to disrespect Benin culture.

According to the statement, a formal request was submitted on February 23 for a courtesy visit initially scheduled for March 3 but later shifted to March 6.

The team acknowledged that they were informed in advance that the Oba would not be available, but were nonetheless permitted to visit and were received by palace representatives.

“They were welcomed, guided through the palace, and educated on its history and traditions,” the statement read.

It added that any actions perceived as inappropriate were unintentional, attributing them to excitement and the warmth of the reception.

“Peller is deeply passionate about promoting Nigerian culture and would never intentionally disrespect the heritage he seeks to showcase,” the statement added, while also apologising for any misconceptions arising from the visit.

Despite these, the Benin Traditional Council has maintained its hardline stance, reiterating that the palace is not a venue for casual visits or content creation.

“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 council stated.

In a further twist, the council disclosed that a palace staff member, identified as Mr Omuemu, had been detained by the Nigeria Police Force and charged in court for allegedly aiding the unauthorised entry and causing a breach of the peace.

It added that law enforcement agencies had been placed on alert and could take further action against those involved.

Source: https://punchng.com/peller-palava-queen-ewuare-hits-back-at-edo-palace-chiefs

Royal rumbles. We are watching.

I think that Peller's visit is just a smokescreen. The palace has probably been looking for an excuse to send the queen out of the palace. The visit is not enough reason to send a queen out of a palace unless there's a voodoo that the streamer damaged in the palace.

Abi Peller kiss her and dem no wan talk am?

As it should be...good! The palace is a public property.

EmperorIsaac:
As it should be...good! The palace is a public property.

Just as aso rock and white house...


It doesn't guarantee unauthorized entry!

Is a queen a job or what...?

This current Benin monarchy is too hostile...every visitation to that palace has always come with controversy. These monarchs are just wielding powers they no longer have. They are all purely ceremonial. Very primitive Oba council; does all these now deserve a queen being removed from the palace?!

Omo…this queen get breast fa

She should show us the letter of approval for her request.
Letter of request and showing it was received does not automatically grant approval.

Oh Queen , be like say na TikTok queen you be o,
The sacred ancient kingdom of Benin, say them no recognize that boy peller invitation, but you de form say you smart pass the oba..

Madam no go be TikTok queen, you are gradually trending on the path of queen Vashti.

The benin palace is never known for controversies, please dont make it look like the Oni of Ife's palace

I tried to read, I tire. Nigerian dailies don’t know there are a million things dragging for the attention of human beings these days. Let me return to X (autocorrect should title it Twitter) for short form content.

Sangoamadioha1:
She should show us the letter of approval for her request.
Letter of request and showing it was received does not automatically grant approval.

Exactly what I wanted to say

brain54:
Just as aso rock and white house...


It doesn't guarantee unauthorized entry!

There's nothing like "authorized" entry to such places...they are public facilities. It's just 3rd world mentality. I have casually walked into the governor's office in my state, and even the white house. We just have issues in Africa!
Those that have been to DC would testify that average humans like myself visit the white house daily.

EmperorIsaac:
There's nothing like "authorized" entry to such places...they are public facilities. It's just 3rd world mentality. I have casually walked into the governor's office in my state, and even the white house. We just have issues in Africa!

You casually walked into the white house...?


Stop lying bros!

Even our house girl looks more beautiful than this so called queen of Bini

adenigga:
Source: https://punchng.com/peller-palava-queen-ewuare-hits-back-at-edo-palace-chiefs

The era of Tik Tok queens. Interesting times we live in.

The queen sef na Gen Z

Peller Na Gen Z

una sure say this queen no collect preeq from peller inside that palace?

Oba don go marry Gen Z. Them don carry palace matter enter Tiktok . She go soon dey go live

Oba kha tokpe en.. Iseh.. Una weldone..

This peller boy goes with wahala , everywhere he goes

They should send her back to Her father's house asap

illicit:
Is a queen a job or what...?

Stop asking dumb questions!

Just know that you're not going back to that palace since you've come online to seek sympathy which you women are very good at.

funshint:
This current Benin monarchy is too hostile...every visitation to that palace has always come with controversy. These monarchs are just wielding powers they no longer have. They are all purely ceremonial. Very primitive Oba council; does all these now deserve a queen being removed from the palace?!

Show some respect man,we are talking about the great Benin kingdom,they don't call it great for nothing.

A kingdom that witnessed development earlier than some countries in Europe.

Make all of una gettout. Insecurity is everywhere and you all are disturbing us with trivialities. Nonsense

funshint:
This current Benin monarchy is too hostile...every visitation to that palace has always come with controversy. These monarchs are just wielding powers they no longer have. They are all purely ceremonial. Very primitive Oba council; does all these now deserve a queen being removed from the palace?!

What do you know they're rules and this is a traditional house it as be sacred so stop saying nonsense

The queen is a baddie and she set I swear

EmperorIsaac:
There's nothing like "authorized" entry to such places...they are public facilities. It's just 3rd world mentality. I have casually walked into the governor's office in my state, and even [the white house. We just have issues in Africa

You mean ASO ROCK?





Or Garrage white house @ Abuja control by M.C Oluomo 🙂

[/color]you are a bad guy, lusting after royal boobs[color=#770077]

IBB007:
Omo…this queen get breast fa

The Oba of Binin has been in the news lately for the wrong reasons

adenigga:
Source: https://punchng.com/peller-palava-queen-ewuare-hits-back-at-edo-palace-chiefs

Who the hell is the benin traditional council think they are. The need to be a hooked and put back to their place , the other day they were seen beaten people and banishing them. Government needs to wade into this barbarity