The Benin Traditional Council has warned that a palace queen and some officials may face removal and other sanctions over streamer Peller’s unauthorised visit to the Oba of Benin’s palace .
In a statement signed by BTC Secretary Frank Irabor, the council described the incident as a serious breach of palace protocol and a desecration of the sacred precincts of the royal court .
Peller, whose real name is Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, reportedly visited the palace on March 6 during a nationwide tour and was received by some palace staff and chiefs .
The council said he entered the premises without the required permission and that his conduct and that of his entourage caused embarrassment and a breach of the peace within the palace grounds .
It stressed that the Oba’s palace is not a public thoroughfare or a venue for casual content creation but the spiritual and cultural seat of the Benin Kingdom, guided by centuries old customs and strict protocols .
Irabor explained that a preliminary investigation has already been concluded and that strict disciplinary measures have been taken against staff and chiefs found culpable .
One chief has been placed on indefinite suspension, while a BTC staff member identified as Mr Omuemu has been detained by the police and charged in court for breaching the peace and aiding the unauthorised entry .
The council also confirmed that a palace queen who appeared in the incident is facing serious disciplinary proceedings which, in line with Benin tradition, could lead to her removal from the palace .
According to the statement, the council invited Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs to explain how he gained entry and what transpired during the visit, but he has so far failed to honour the invitation .
The BTC has now publicly demanded that he present himself to the council and tender a written apology for the embarrassment and distress caused by the incident .
It warned that if he does not comply, the council will pursue legal action, adding that law enforcement agencies have been notified and are on standby to act .
The council reassured the Benin people that it remains firmly committed to protecting the sanctity and dignity of the throne of Oba Ewuare II and to swiftly correcting any breaches of long standing customs .
It cautioned that those who attempt to exploit the Oba’s fatherly and forgiving nature to undermine the institution do so at their own peril, as the palace has the tools to prevent and punish such infractions .
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