Benin Palace Denies Approving Streamer Peller's Visit to Oba of Benin
The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has issued a firm denial regarding the recent visit of popular streamer Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, widely known as Peller, to the palace of the Oba of Benin. In a statement released yesterday, the council explicitly stated that Peller and his management team did not receive any approval for the visit, countering claims made by the streamer and his representatives.
Clarification on Administrative Protocols
Frank Irabor, the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, responded to the public reactions and misinformation surrounding the incident. He emphasised that the submission of a letter of request and its mere acknowledgement by the palace secretariat do not equate to formal approval. The statement read: "The attention of the Benin Traditional Council has been drawn to recent public reactions following its statement 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."
Irabor further explained that, under normal circumstances, the Benin tradition would not engage further on such matters. However, due to the significant level of misinformation and ignorance displayed by Peller and his manager, the council felt compelled to set the record straight. He highlighted that it is a standard principle in any formal establishment that acknowledging a request letter through stamping or receipt does not imply sanction or authorisation.
Reiteration of Institutional Procedures
The Benin Traditional Council reiterated its administrative protocols to avoid any doubt. "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," the statement continued. The council stressed that, in the absence of explicit written authorisation, no visit or activity is deemed sanctioned or approved.
To resolve the matter, the BTC has urged Peller and his manager to publicly clarify whether they received any formal written approval for the visit. This call aims to address the ongoing confusion and uphold the integrity of the palace's traditional and administrative processes.
