The Benin Traditional Council has maintained that popular streamer Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, widely known as Peller, was not granted approval to visit the Palace of the Oba of Benin.
The council stated this on Tuesday while reacting to claims by Peller and his management regarding the controversial visit.
In a statement, the Secretary of the council, Frank Irabor, said the submission and acknowledgement of a request letter does not amount to official permission.
Irabor said, “The attention of the Benin Traditional Council has been drawn to recent public reactions following its press release 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.
“Ordinarily, the Benin tradition would not warrant further engagement on such matters.
“However, given the level of misinformation and ignorance displayed by Peller and his manager, it has become necessary to set the record straight.”
Irabor explained that standard administrative procedures require explicit authorisation before any visit or activity can be considered approved.
He further stated, “It is a well-known principle in any formal establishment that the submission of a letter of request, and the mere stamping or acknowledgement of such a letter, does not constitute approval.
“These are standard institutional protocols and administrative procedures.
“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.”
He added that in the absence of clear authorisation, no visit to the palace is deemed sanctioned.
The council also asked Peller and his manager to clarify publicly whether they obtained any written approval for the visit.
It further questioned whether their request letter disclosed any intention to visit the Iloi (Queens) in the palace. Irabor said the issue is currently undergoing internal disciplinary proceedings.
He said, “As previously communicated, matters arising from the unauthorised visit are currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings.
“Peller has been invited to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, and the council will not be drawn into public discourse on issues already being addressed through the appropriate internal channels.”
The council reiterated its commitment to preserving the customs and sanctity of the Benin Royal Palace.
“The Benin Traditional Council remains resolute in upholding the customs, traditions, and sanctity of the Benin Royal Palace,” the statement added.
