Benin Council Suspends Chief, Queen Over Unauthorized Entry

The Benin Traditional Council has taken disciplinary action against a palace chief and a queen for permitting social media influencer Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, known as Peller, to enter the Oba Benin Palace without the required permission. The council described this visit as a breach of palace protocol that disrupted order within the palace grounds.

A preliminary investigation led to the suspension of the involved palace chief and a staff member named Mr. Omuemu, who was arrested on charges of aiding unauthorized entry.

The queen is currently under review and may face removal from her position. The council has requested that Adelaja appear for questioning and submit a written apology for the failure to comply with palace protocols, warning of potential legal consequences.

New rules for palace access have been introduced, including mandatory written applications for approval and prohibiting loitering. Unauthorized entry will be treated as a violation of traditional law, subjecting offenders to arrest and prosecution.