Benin Queen counters palace chiefs' claims over Peller's visit
By Yewande Fasan The Queen of Oba Ewuare of the Benin Kingdom has disputed claims that social media influencer Peller’s visit to the palace was unauthorised. The controversy, which led
By Yewande Fasan
The Queen of Oba Ewuare of the Benin Kingdom has disputed claims that social media influencer Peller's visit to the palace was unauthorised.
The controversy, which led to her suspension by the Benin Traditional Council, deemed the visit a "desecration of the sacred precincts of the palace."
The Nation reported that Peller visited the Benin Royal Palace on March 6 as part of his nationwide tour, sparking outrage among traditional circles.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Frank Irabor, Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, the council condemned the visit as a "breach of protocol", stating Peller and his team entered the palace without approval, which caused embarrassment and disrupted peace.
Following the uproar, the council ordered Peller to appear before chiefs, explain his actions, and apologise in writing.
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Queen Ewuare, involved in the incident, also faces disciplinary action that could lead to her removal from the palace.
Reacting to the decision, the Queen responded on TikTok, disputing the council's claims and calling the circulated narrative "misleading".
“Hello everyone, the issues at hand aren’t just because Peller came to the palace or because I gifted him; a lot has been happening behind closed doors.
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“The Benin Traditional Council lied that Peller’s visit was unauthorised and that I brought him to the palace. I hope I will be able to convince you all that Peller’s visit was authorised.
“Look at the stamp on this letter; it shows it was received by the Benin Traditional Council, but they’re all lying against me. But this isn’t even the main problem; there are other issues far bigger than what you all think,” she wrote.
Queen Ewuare also shared a letter with an acknowledgement stamp from the council, showing Peller's visit was formally communicated ahead of time.
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The letter indicated that the Benin Traditional Council received it on February 23, 2026.
The letter, titled 'Courtesy Visit' and addressed to Oba Ewuare II, formally notified the palace of Peller's planned visit to Benin and requested a brief audience with the monarch.
Signed by Uyiekpen Ogiefa, the letter expressed "utmost respect and humility" and stated that Ogiefa, son of Chief Courage Uyi Ogiefa, would accompany Peller during the visit.
“With utmost respect and humility, we write to formally inform the palace of the planned visit of a very prominent online streamer, Peller, to Benin, and to the revered palace of the Oba of Benin on March 3, 2026,” the letter partly read.
This letter appears to contradict the council's claim that Peller's visit was unauthorised, further fueling the controversy.
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However, the council insists the visit breached protocol, demanding Peller's apology and appearance before a committee of chiefs.
“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 stated.
Peller's management also claimed due process was followed, attributing any issues to excitement and warmth of the reception.
“This was fully respected, and the visit proceeded accordingly. That said, we understand that certain moments during the visit may have been perceived as inappropriate. We sincerely wish to clarify that this was never the intention. Any mispronunciations or actions were unintentional and purely human, possibly influenced by excitement and the warmth of the reception.
“Peller is deeply passionate about promoting Nigerian culture, and it would never be his intention to disrespect the very heritage he is committed to showcasing to the world. At no point was it the mission or intention to offend or disrespect the culture in any way", the statement partly read.
