The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) had earlier condemned the March 6 visit in Benin City, Edo State, describing it as an “unauthorised intrusion” and accusing some palace officials, including Queen Ewuare, of facilitating what it called a “desecration of the sacred precincts.” The council suspended the queen, several chiefs, and a palace staff member pending investigation, citing “breach of protocol” and claiming that the influencer’s presence caused “significant embarrassment” and disrupted the peace within the palace grounds.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, signed by the council’s secretary Frank Irabor, Peller was ordered to appear before a committee of chiefs to explain his actions and issue a written apology. The council alleged that Peller and his entourage had gained access without proper approval, raising questions about adherence to palace customs.
Queen Ewuare Pushes Back
Contrary to the council’s assertions, Queen Ewuare publicly refuted the claims. In a TikTok video posted on Thursday from her account (@queen_ewuare-_backup), she insisted the visit was formally communicated to the palace in advance and accused the council of spreading misleading narratives.
Sharing what she described as documentary evidence, the queen posted a copy of a letter with an acknowledgment stamp from the BTC. The letter, dated February 23, 2026, and addressed to Oba Ewuare II, formally notified the palace of Peller’s planned visit and requested a brief audience. The queen argued that this validated the visit’s legitimacy, stating:
“The Benin Traditional Council lied that Peller’s visit was unauthorised and that I brought him to the palace… Look at the stamp on this letter; it shows it was received by the Benin Traditional Council, but they’re all lying against me.”
She also expressed gratitude to supporters who had reached out following the controversy, while hinting that the disputes within the palace extended beyond Peller’s visit.
The Disputed Letter
The document, observed by BrandIconImage, was titled “Courtesy Visit” and signed by Uyiekpen Ogiefa, son of Chief Courage Uyi Ogiefa. It stated that Peller would be accompanied during his visit and requested a formal audience with the Oba, emphasizing respect and humility in notifying the palace. Critics, however, have argued that acknowledgment of a letter does not automatically equate to formal approval, highlighting a gray area in the palace’s procedural norms.
Public Reactions
Social media responses have been sharply divided. Supporters of Queen Ewuare have rallied behind her, praising her role and defending the visit. Others question whether mere acknowledgment by the council can substitute for explicit authorization, stressing that the palace is a sacred space governed by centuries of tradition.
Peller’s Team Responds
Peller’s management also issued a statement on Instagram, clarifying that the visit was conducted in accordance with due process and was not intended to disrespect Benin culture. The team explained that the initial request for a courtesy visit was submitted on February 23, with the date later adjusted to March 6. Though the Oba was unavailable at the time, palace officials received the influencer and his entourage, guided them through the palace, and provided explanations of its history and traditions.
The statement emphasized that any perceived breaches were unintentional, stemming from excitement, and reaffirmed Peller’s respect for Nigerian culture.
Council Holds Firm
Despite these claims, the Benin Traditional Council has maintained its strict stance. The council reiterated that the palace is not a venue for casual visits or content creation, describing it as “the ancient and spiritual seat of the Oba of Benin, governed by centuries of tradition, custom, and sacred protocols.”
In a further development, a palace staff member, identified as Mr Omuemu, has reportedly been detained and charged in court for allegedly aiding unauthorised entry. The council confirmed that law enforcement agencies remain on alert and could take further action against those involved.
The controversy continues to spark debate nationwide, reflecting a complex interplay of tradition, social media influence, and public perceptions of authority within Nigeria’s cultural institutions.