The Benin Traditional Council (BTC), acting on behalf of the Oba of Benin, has sanctioned a palace chief, a queen, and others over breaches of palace protocol linked to the recent visit of TikToker Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja.
In a statement issued by the Secretary of the BTC, Frank Irabor, the Council said the influencer’s visit to the palace was not authorised and went against laid-down procedures.
The Council said the influencer and his entourage entered the palace without permission, adding that the incident caused embarrassment and disrupted activities within the palace.
“The Benin Traditional Council views this incident with the utmost gravity. The Palace is not a public thoroughfare or a location for frivolous content creation; it is the ancient and spiritual seat of the Oba of Benin, governed by centuries of tradition, custom, and sacred protocols,” the statement read.
After a preliminary investigation, the Council said it had taken action against those involved in facilitating the unauthorised access.
A palace chief linked to the incident has been suspended indefinitely. A staff member, identified as Mr. Omuemu, has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force and charged to court for alleged breach of peace and aiding unlawful entry.
The Council also said a queen seen in the incident is facing disciplinary proceedings that could lead to her removal from the palace.
It directed Peller to appear for questioning, noting that he had earlier failed to honour an invitation. The Council also asked him to submit a written apology or risk legal action.
The BTC described the incident as troubling and stressed the need to protect the traditions and heritage of the Benin Palace.
It also announced new rules for access to the palace, including written applications, prior approval for visits, a ban on loitering, and the introduction of an access pass system.
“Henceforth, any individual or group found entering or loitering within the Oba’s Palace premises without the required permits, approval, or official access pass will be considered to be in violation of traditional law and order,” the statement added.
The Council warned that anyone who violates the rules will be arrested and dealt with in line with the law.