Peller Speaks Out On Benin Palace Drama, N395M Lawsuit

According to Ireporter Online, TikTok creator and streamer Hamzat Habeeb Adelaja, widely known as Peller, has addressed two major controversies, insisting on his innocence and denying personal responsibility in both matters.

The first controversy concerns his unauthorised visit to the palace of Oba Ewuare II in Benin City on March 6, 2026, during his nationwide tour. The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) condemned the visit as a serious breach of protocol, describing it as a desecration of the sacred palace grounds. The council reported that Peller and his entourage entered the palace without official permission, causing disruption and embarrassment.

In response, the BTC took disciplinary action against palace officials, including the indefinite suspension of a chief, the detention and court proceedings of staff member Mr. Omuemu by the Nigeria Police, and ongoing proceedings against a queen who appeared in related content, which could lead to her removal under Benin customs. Peller has been summoned to appear before a committee of chiefs to explain his actions and provide a written apology, with potential legal consequences if he fails to comply.

In a livestream statement, Peller said he acted under the instructions of his manager and was unaware of any protocol issues. He maintained that he conducted himself respectfully, greeting everyone at the palace, and emphasised that his “hands are clean.” He explained, “My manager instructed me to go to the Oba of Benin’s palace. I was unaware until he informed me that they wanted me there. Any consequences should be handled by him. I did nothing wrong. Everything now seems orchestrated.”

The second controversy involves a N395 million lawsuit filed against Peller by Lagos resident Osarobo Odigie. According to legal documents obtained by Ireporter Online, the suit, detailed in a pre-action letter from lawyers FA Garrick & Co. dated around March 10, 2026, alleges defamation, cyber harassment, invasion of privacy, and emotional distress. The lawsuit stems from a January 6, 2026 incident at Folixxx Lounge in Lekki, Lagos, where Peller allegedly insulted Odigie, recorded the confrontation without her consent, and posted the video online, resulting in harassment and reputational damage.

Peller told Ireporter Online that he cannot afford to pay the demanded amount, which includes N200 million for defamation, N100 million for emotional trauma, N75 million for cyberbullying, and N20 million for legal fees. He reiterated a previous apology issued in January and asked for forgiveness again, describing himself as “just a small child” in need of guidance. He also suggested that critics and the lawsuit may be designed to financially ruin him, potentially forcing him into media platforms that exploit hardship stories.

“I don’t have the money to give to the woman suing me. It feels like everyone wants me to go broke just so I can be on Lucky Udu’s show. I’m begging, I’m just a small child in this, and a child cannot function without direction. I have even apologised to her before,” he said.