By Peter Omopo
Popular TikTok content creator, Hamzat Habeeb Adelaja, widely known as Peller, has denied any wrongdoing amid controversies surrounding his recent visit to the palace of the Oba of Benin and a N395 million lawsuit filed against him.
Speaking during a livestream, the influencer maintained that he acted without malicious intent in both incidents and appealed for public understanding, insisting that his actions were beyond his control.
The backlash follows his March 6 visit to the Benin royal palace in Benin City, which the Benin Traditional Council described as a serious breach of protocol. The council said Peller and his entourage gained unauthorised access to the palace, prompting disciplinary actions within the institution.
A chief linked to the incident has been suspended indefinitely, while a palace staff member identified as Omuemu has reportedly been detained and charged by the police. Disciplinary proceedings are also ongoing against a queen who appeared in related footage, with the possibility of removal under Benin customs.
The council has since summoned the content creator to appear before a panel of chiefs and issue a written apology, warning that failure to comply could result in legal action.
However, Peller attributed responsibility to his management, stating that he only acted on instructions and was unaware that the visit violated palace rules. He insisted that he conducted himself respectfully during the visit and claimed the situation may have been orchestrated.
In a separate development, the influencer is also facing a lawsuit filed by a Lagos-based woman, Osarobo Odigie, who is demanding N395 million in damages over alleged misconduct at a nightclub in Lekki.
According to the suit, Peller is accused of defamation, cyber harassment, invasion of privacy and emotional distress following an incident on January 6, during which he allegedly recorded and shared a video of the complainant without her consent.
Responding to the allegations, Peller admitted he lacks the financial capacity to meet the damages sought and reiterated that he had previously apologised to the complainant. He appealed for forgiveness and described himself as inexperienced, adding that he relied on guidance from those around him.
The influencer also suggested that both the palace controversy and the lawsuit could be part of a broader attempt to damage his reputation and finances.
