The Leopard hip Pendant: symbol of power, Kingdom of Benin, Edo artist, Nigeria, circa 18th Century (cast brass with copper inlay) North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh
Benin Ivory mask: Queen Idia – Wikipedia
From our news desk, Benin
The disciplinary sledge hammer of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has fallen on one of the queens, a Palace Chief and a worker.
This was contained in a statement by the BTC Secretary, Frank Irabor, and circulated amongst journalists in Benin on Tuesday, 17 March, 2026.
This follows an unauthorised visit to the Palace on the 6 March, 2026, by a social media influencer Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, the statement disclosed.
The group of persons punished were said to have entertained the unapproved visit without the consent and authority of the powers that be.
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The BTC views the incident as a serious breach of protocol and a desecration of the Palace; the sacred seat of Oba Ewuare II, it was stated.
“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.
“Following a preliminary investigation, the Council said it had taken disciplinary actions against those involved in facilitating the unauthorized access.
“A Palace Chief implicated in the incident has been suspended indefinitely, while a staff member, identified as Omuemu, has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force and charged to court for alleged breach of peace and aiding the unlawful entry.”
The BTC also confirmed that a queen allegedly connected in the incident is currently facing disciplinary proceedings, which may lead to her eviction from the Palace.
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Continuing, the statement said the BTC has directed Adelaja to present himself for questioning, noting that he had earlier failed to honour an invitation extended to him.
Also, he has been ordered to tender an unreserved written apology to the Palace or risk legal action.
Describing the development as distressing, the Council stressed the need to preserve the sanctity and cultural heritage of the Benin Palace.
Meanwhile, the BTC has announced new guidelines regulating access to the Palace.
These include: mandatory written applications, prior approval for visits, prohibition of loitering, and the introduction of an official access pass system.
“Henceforth, any individual or group found entering or loitering within the Oba’s Palace premises without the required permits, approval, or official access pass will be considered to be in violation of traditional law and order.
“Violators would be apprehended and made to face the full consequences of their actions in line with the law,” the Council warned.
“As part of ongoing investigations, a chief linked to the incident has been suspended indefinitely, while a Palace staff member has been detained and charged by the Nigeria Police Force for allegedly aiding the breach.”
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