The Benin Traditional Council on Tuesday reaffirmed that popular streamer Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, widely known as Peller, did not receive official permission to visit the Palace of the Oba of Benin.
In a statement addressing the controversy, the council’s secretary, Frank Irabor, dismissed claims made by Peller and his team, stressing that submitting a request letter and receiving acknowledgment does not equate to approval.
Irabor said, “The attention of the Benin Traditional Council has been drawn to recent public reactions following its press release concerning the abominable and unauthorised visit to the Palace of the Oba of Benin by Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as ‘Peller,’ and his manager.
“Ordinarily, the Benin tradition would not warrant further engagement on such matters.
However, given the level of misinformation and ignorance displayed by Peller and his manager, it has become necessary to set the record straight.
“It is a well-known principle in any formal establishment that the submission of a letter of request, and the mere stamping or acknowledgement of such a letter, does not constitute approval.
“These are standard institutional protocols and administrative procedures.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Benin Traditional Council reiterates that the receipt and stamping of any correspondence by its secretariat only serve as acknowledgement of receipt and do not, in any way, imply approval by His Royal Majesty or the Benin Traditional Council.
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In the absence of explicit authorisation, no visit or activity is deemed sanctioned.”
The council further challenged Peller and his manager to clarify publicly whether they had obtained any formal written approval for the visit.
It also questioned whether their initial request included plans to see any of the Iloi (Queens).
Irabor added that the matter is already under internal review and warned against further public debate on the issue.
He also said, “As previously communicated, matters arising from the unauthorised visit are currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings.
Peller been invited to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, and the council will not be drawn into public discourse on issues already being addressed through the appropriate internal channels.
“The Benin Traditional Council remains resolute in upholding the customs, traditions, and sanctity of the Benin Royal Palace.”
Earlier, the council had disclosed on March 17 that a queen allegedly involved in granting the streamer access to the palace could face possible removal.