Oba of Benin Sanctions Queen and Chiefs for Palace Breach

The Oba of Benin has sanctioned a queen and several chiefs due to an unauthorized visit to the Benin Palace that took place on March 6, 2026. The Benin Traditional Council (BTC), through its secretary Frank Irabor, issued a statement detailing the breach of protocol that desecrated the palace's sacred precincts.

A palace staff member, identified as Mr. Omuemu, has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force and will face charges for allegedly facilitating the unauthorized entry.

The queen involved has been suspended indefinitely and will undergo disciplinary proceedings in accordance with Benin customs and traditional processes. The BTC emphasized that the palace is not a venue for casual visits and reiterated the importance of adhering to established protocols.

Influencers who were invited to appear before the committee failed to honor the invitation and are required to submit an unreserved written apology, with a warning that non-compliance could lead to legal action.