The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has declared social media content creator, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja (aka Peller), wanted over his unauthorised access into the palace of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolor, Oba Ewuare 11, on March 6, where he did a controversial content.
A statement by Mr. Frank Irabor, Secretary of the BTC, said Mr. Adelaja and his entourage entered the palace without the requisite permission from the council, and their subsequent conduct caused significant embarrassment and a breach of the peace within the oalace grounds.
“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 council said.
Mr. Irabor asserted that after the council has conducted a preliminary investigation into the circumstances that allowed this unauthorized access, stringent disciplinary measures have been taken against palace staff and chiefs who aided the “mischievous act.”
Specifically, a chief who was implicated in the incident has been suspended indefinitely from the oalace.
“A staff member of the Benin Traditional Council, identified as Mr. Omuemu, has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force. He has been charged to court for causing a breach of the peace and abetting the unauthorized entry.
“Furthermore, it is with deep regret that the council confirms that a queen of the palace who was unfortunately featured in the incident is now facing serious disciplinary proceedings in accordance with Benin traditions and customs, these proceedings may inadvertently result in her removal from the palace,” the statement added.
Irabor stressed that following the incident, the council, utilizing the same channels within the palace that facilitated the initial entry, extended an invitation to Mr. Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja (Peller).
“He was requested to appear before a committee of chiefs tasked with investigating the matter to provide his own side of the story. Regrettably, Mr. Adelaja has failed to honour this invitation.
“The council is therefore using this public medium to demand that Mr. Adelaja present himself immediately to the relevant authorities within the council.
“His unapproved visit has caused untold distress to so many people, and as such, he must tender an unreserved written apology to the palace for his unauthorized access and the embarrassment caused.
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“Failure to comply with this directive will leave the council with no option but to pursue legal action. The appropriate law enforcement agencies have been duly informed of this matter and are standing by to take necessary action against him,” he stated.
The Benin Traditional Council assured that it remains the unwavering custodian of Benin age-old customs and traditions.
“While unscrupulous elements may occasionally attempt to undermine our sacred institutions, banking on the fatherly and forgiving disposition of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare Il, they do so at their peril.
“The council wishes to state unequivocally that it possesses the institutional tools to immediately correct such infractions and prevent any reoccurrence,” it said.
