TikTok Star Peller Denies Responsibility in Benin Palace Controversy and N395 Million Lawsuit
Popular Nigerian TikTok star Hamzat Habeeb Adelaja, widely known as Peller, has publicly addressed two major controversies that have threatened his career, insisting that he bears no personal blame for either incident. In a recent livestream, the influencer opened up about the unauthorized visit to the palace of Oba Ewuare II in Benin City and a massive N395 million lawsuit filed against him, while announcing the suspension of his nationwide tour.
Peller's Response to the N395 Million Lawsuit
Peller revealed that he has no financial means to settle the N395 million lawsuit filed by a Lagos woman identified as Osarobo Odigie. The lawsuit stems from a viral video recorded in January, which Odigie claims was shared without her consent, leading to defamation, harassment, and emotional distress. Peller stated that he had already apologized to Odigie in January and pleaded for her forgiveness again during the livestream.
"I have no money to give to the girl who is suing me. You all want me to go broke so that I can be hopping on Lucky Udu's interview. I'm begging you, I'm just a small child, and a child cannot work without their head shaking. I have even apologised to her before," Peller said, expressing frustration over what he perceives as attempts to force him into financial ruin.
Explanation of the Benin Palace Visit
Regarding the controversy surrounding his March 6 visit to the Oba of Benin's palace, Peller placed the blame squarely on his manager. He claimed that the visit was suggested by his manager and that he had no personal intention to breach royal protocol. The unauthorized visit has drawn national attention and resulted in disciplinary actions against others involved, including the suspension of a Benin queen, chief, and a staff member.
"It was my manager who told me to go to the Palace of the Oba of Benin. I was doing my thing, before he came to meet me that they wanted me in the palace. He will be the one to attend to them and face whatever consequences. I did nothing. My hands are clean like hypo. When I got to the palace, I greeted everyone respectfully, including small children. Everything now looks like a setup," Peller explained, emphasizing his innocence in the matter.
Suspension of Nationwide Tour and Public Reaction
In light of these controversies, Peller announced the immediate suspension of his nationwide tour, citing constant criticism and hostility from the public. He expressed that the backlash has made it difficult to continue the tour, which was intended to engage with fans across Nigeria.
Netizens have reacted strongly to Peller's explanations, with many expressing skepticism and criticism. For instance, one user commented, "He didn't plan well when he wanted to do the tour. He thinks IShowspeed just showed up in Nigeria to do a tour without any arrangements? Whatever he sees from this attempted tour he should take," while another advised, "Make he go court first, court will surely cut the money."
Background on Previous Controversies
This is not the first time Peller has faced public scrutiny. Earlier, he defended himself against backlash after gifting fellow influencer Jarvis a Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 for her birthday. Many netizens criticized him for spending heavily on Jarvis while allegedly spending less on his mother. In response, Peller argued that the gift was to showcase his wealth and that Jarvis deserved it, even stating he would spend more if she gave him a child.
The ongoing controversies highlight the challenges faced by digital influencers in Nigeria, where public perception and legal issues can quickly escalate. Peller's case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of proper management and adherence to protocols in high-profile situations.
