Popular TikTok creator and livestreamer, Hamzat Habeeb Adelaja, widely known as Peller, has responded to two controversies trailing his recent activities, insisting he bears no personal responsibility in either case.
The digital content creator is under scrutiny following an unauthorised visit to the palace of the Oba of Benin in Benin City on March 6, 2026. The visit, which occurred during his nationwide tour, has drawn strong condemnation from the Benin Traditional Council (BTC).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the council described the incident as a violation of palace protocol and a disrespect to the sanctity of the royal institution. According to the BTC, Peller and members of his team entered the palace without approval, an act it said caused disruption and embarrassment.
The fallout has triggered disciplinary measures within the palace. A chief linked to the incident has been suspended indefinitely, while a palace staff member, identified as Mr. Omuemu, has been detained and charged by the police. Additionally, a queen who appeared in content related to the visit is reportedly facing internal proceedings that could lead to her removal under Benin customs.
The council has summoned Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs, where he is expected to provide an explanation and submit a formal written apology. It also warned that failure to comply could attract legal consequences.
Reacting during a livestream, Peller maintained that he acted solely on the directive of his manager and was unaware that the visit breached any established protocol.
He said he conducted himself respectfully throughout the visit, adding that he greeted everyone he encountered and had no intention of causing offence.
Peller further claimed that the situation may have been misrepresented, stressing that any accountability should lie with those who arranged the visit.
In a separate development, the streamer is also battling a N395 million lawsuit filed by Lagos resident, Osarobo Odigie.
The legal action, outlined in a pre-action notice issued by her lawyers, FA Garrick & Co., accuses Peller of defamation, invasion of privacy, cyber harassment and emotional distress.
The case stems from an incident that reportedly occurred on January 6, 2026, at Folixxx Lounge in Lekki, Lagos. Peller is alleged to have verbally attacked Odigie, recorded the confrontation without her consent, and shared the footage online, where it gained widespread attention.
According to the claimant, the video exposure led to reputational damage and online harassment.
Addressing the lawsuit, Peller said he does not have the financial capacity to meet the N395 million demand, which includes claims for defamation, emotional trauma, cyberbullying and legal costs.
He noted that he had previously apologised over the incident in January and reiterated his plea for forgiveness.
The streamer also suggested that the legal action and criticism against him appear aimed at financially crippling him.
As both issues continue to unfold, attention remains on whether Peller will honour the BTC’s summons and how the legal dispute will proceed.
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