Benin Palace Disowns Peller’s Visit, BTC Insists Acknowledgement Is Not Approva

BENIN CITY — The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has clarified the distinction between document acknowledgement and official Palace approval, distancing itself from the controversial visit by Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, and his manager.

In a press statement signed by its Secretary, Frank Irabor, and made available to journalists in Benin City, the Council said the clarification became necessary due to what it described as widespread misinformation and ignorance surrounding the incident.

Irabor noted that, under normal circumstances, Benin tradition would not warrant further engagement on such matters. However, he said the claims made by Peller and his manager compelled the Council to set the record straight.

He explained that the submission of a request letter and its subsequent stamping or acknowledgement by the Council’s secretariat do not amount to approval.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Benin Traditional Council reiterates that the receipt and stamping of any correspondence by its secretariat only serve as acknowledgment of receipt and do not in any way imply approval by His Royal Majesty or the Council. In the absence of explicit authorization, no visit or activity is deemed sanctioned,” Irabor stated.

The Council challenged Peller and his manager to publicly confirm whether they received any formal written approval for the visit, and whether their request disclosed any intention to visit any of the Iloi (Queens).

Irabor added that issues arising from the unauthorized visit are currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings, noting that Peller has been invited to the Palace of the Oba of Benin.

He stressed that the Council would not be drawn into public debates on matters already being handled through established internal processes.

The BTC reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the customs, traditions, and sanctity of the Benin Royal Palace.