Nigerian TikTok personality Hamzat Habeeb Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, has publicly addressed two separate legal and traditional disputes involving him, denying direct wrongdoing in both instances.
The first controversy concerns an alleged unauthorised entry into the Royal Palace of Benin on March 6, 2026. The Benin Traditional Council stated the visit breached protocol and desecrated sacred grounds. The council reported that Peller and his team entered without proper authorisation, leading to disciplinary actions, including the suspension of a chief and the arrest of a palace staff member. The council has summoned Peller to appear before a committee and submit a written apology, warning of potential legal action for non-compliance. In a livestream, Peller claimed he acted on his manager’s instructions and was unaware of any protocol violations, stating he interacted respectfully and maintained his innocence.
Separately, Lagos resident Osarobo Odigie has filed a N395 million pre-action lawsuit against Peller. The suit alleges defamation, cyber harassment, invasion of privacy, and emotional distress, accusing him of recording and sharing a video of a confrontation at a Lekki lounge without consent. The damages sought include N200 million for defamation, N100 million for emotional trauma, N75 million for cyberbullying, and N20 million for legal costs. Responding to the claim, Peller admitted he could not afford the sum and appealed for understanding, reiterating that he had already apologised for the incident and portrayed himself as a young person seeking guidance.
The Benin Palace holds significant cultural and historical weight as the seat of the Oba of Benin, a traditional ruler with deep spiritual authority in Nigeria. An unauthorised visit is therefore considered a serious matter by the traditional council. Meanwhile, the lawsuit highlights growing legal precedents concerning privacy and defamation in the era of social media content creation.
Peller’s statements mark his first comprehensive response to these mounting issues. The Benin Traditional Council’s summons sets a deadline for compliance, while the civil lawsuit proceeds towards potential court action. Both matters underscore the legal and cultural responsibilities facing influencers whose content intersects with private spaces and individuals. The outcomes may set notable examples for content creation boundaries in Nigeria.
