Benin Traditional Council Insists No Letter Authorizing Visit Of Social Media Influencer, Peller To Palace

By Ayodele Oni

The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has insisted that Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja (Peller) and his manager entered the Oba of Benin Palace uninvited.

The clarification was contained in a press release signed by Frank Irabor, Secretary, Benin Traditional Council and made available to journalists in Benin City.

He noted that ordinarily the Benin tradition would not warrant further engagement on such matters, but given the level of misinformation and ignorance displayed by  Peller and his manager, it has become necessary to set the record straight.

The Secretary Benin Traditional Council further said that it is a well-known principle in any establishment that the submission of a letter of request and mere stamping or acknowledgement of such a letter does not constitute approval adding that these are standard institutional protocols and administrative procedures.

“For the avoidance of doubt the Benin Traditional Council reiterates that the receipt and stamping of any correspondence by its secretariat only serve as acknowledgment of receipt and do not in any way imply approval by His Royal Majesty or the Benin Traditional Council.

“In the absence of explicit authorization, no visit or activity is deemed sanctioned”, he noted

He subsequently called on Peller and his manager to state publicly whether any formal written approval was granted to them and also pertinent to ask whether their letter of request disclosed any intention to visit any of the  Queens.

He, however, stated that as previously communicated, matters arising from the unauthorized visit are currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings and also Peller has been invited to the Palace of the Oba of Benin.

“The Council will not be drawn into public discourse on issues already being addressed through the appropriate internal channels.”

He informed that the Benin Traditional Council remains resolute in upholding the customs, traditions and sanctity of the Benin Royal Palace.

The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II has “declared wanted” the social media influencer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, known as Peller, over an unauthorized entry into Benin monarch palace.

The Palace had suspended one of the Queens, a Palace Chief and a member of staff of Benin Traditional Council, identified as Mr. Omuemu who was arrested and charged to court over an unauthorized access to the Palace by a social media influencer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, known as Peller.