Peller got no approval for palace visit - BTC
The Benin Traditional Council on Tuesday said that popular streamer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, known as Peller had no approval to visit the palace.
Reacting to claim by Peller and his management, BTC secretary, Frank Irabor in a statement said that the submission of a letter of request, and the mere stamping or acknowledgment of such a letter, does not constitute approval.
The statement read, "The attention of the Benin Traditional Council has been drawn to recent public reactions following its press release concerning the abominable and unauthorized visit to the Palace of the Oba of Benin by Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as “Peller,” and his manager.
"Ordinarily, the Benin tradition would not warrant further engagement on such matters.
"However, given the level of misinformation and ignorance displayed by Peller and his manager, it has become necessary to set the record straight.
"It is a well-known principle in any formal establishment that the submission of a letter of request, and the mere stamping or acknowledgment of such a letter, does not constitute approval.
"These are standard institutional protocols and administrative procedures. For the avoidance of doubt, the Benin Traditional Council reiterates that the receipt and stamping of any correspondence by its secretariat only serve as acknowledgment of receipt and do not, in any way, imply approval by His Royal Majesty or the Benin Traditional Council. In the absence of explicit authorization, no visit or activity is deemed sanctioned."
In the statement, the BTC urged Peller and his manager to state publicly whether any formal written approval was granted to them, adding, "It is also pertinent to ask whether their letter of request disclosed any intention to visit any of the Iloi (Queens).
"As previously communicated, matters arising from the unauthorized visit are currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings. Peller has been invited to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, and the council will not be drawn into public discourse on issues already being addressed through the appropriate internal channels.
"The Benin Traditional Council remains resolute in upholding the customs, traditions, and sanctity of the Benin Royal Palace."
The PUNCH reported that the Benin Traditional Council on March 17 said that the Queen, who allowed streamer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly called Peller, to gain unauthorised access into the palace faces possible removal from the palace.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary of the BTC, Frank Irabor, and made available to journalists.
Peller, who is currently on a nationwide tour, visited the Oba of Benin palace on March 6, where he was received by some officials of the palace.
According to the statement, the council viewed the visit as a serious breach of protocol and a desecration of the sacred precincts of the palace.
