Peller controversy: More trouble as Queen Ewuare hits back at Edo palace chiefs

Oba of Benin

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.