𝗣𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗥: 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗥𝗼𝘄 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗘𝘄𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸.

𝗕𝗬 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘,

21𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵, 2026.

Niger Delta Voice has gathered that more tensions are escalating within the Benin Kingdom following a controversial visit by social media influencer Habeeb Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, to the royal palace, with conflicting accounts emerging from the Benin Traditional Council and the monarchy.

The council had earlier condemned the March 6 visit, describing it as an “unauthorised intrusion” into the palace and accusing some palace insiders, including Queen Ewuare, of facilitating what it termed a breach of sacred protocol.

In a swift reaction, the council announced the suspension of the queen, alongside several chiefs and a palace staff member, pending investigation. It also directed the influencer to appear before a committee of chiefs and tender a written apology, insisting that due process was not followed.

However, Queen Ewuare has strongly refuted the allegations, presenting what she described as evidence that the visit was formally communicated to the palace authorities.

In a video shared via her TikTok platform, the queen displayed a letter dated February 23, 2026, which she said was duly acknowledged by the council. According to her, this contradicts claims that the visit lacked approval.

“The council lied that the visit was unauthorised. The letter was received and stamped. They are misleading the public,” she stated.

The letter, titled “Courtesy Visit,” was reportedly addressed to Oba Ewuare II and signed by Uyiekpen Ogiefa. It sought permission for the influencer to pay homage at the palace.

Despite the acknowledgment, critics argue that receipt of correspondence does not necessarily imply formal approval, pointing to strict traditional procedures governing access to the palace.

Meanwhile, Peller’s management team has also defended the visit, stating that all necessary steps were taken to notify the palace. The team explained that although the Oba was not present at the time, palace officials received and guided the influencer and his entourage through the premises. They maintained that no disrespect was intended and described any perceived misconduct as unintentional.

Public reactions to the development have remained sharply divided. While some support Queen Ewuare’s position, others insist that the sanctity of the Benin Palace must be preserved in line with longstanding customs.

The Benin Traditional Council has, however, maintained its position, reiterating that the palace is a sacred institution not open to casual visits or social media activities.

In a related development, a palace staff member identified as Omuemu has reportedly been detained and arraigned for allegedly facilitating unauthorised access.pla Authorities have indicated that further actions may follow as investigations continue.

The unfolding dispute highlights the growing friction between traditional institutions and modern social media culture, raising broader questions about protocol, authority, and evolving public engagement with heritage sites.