The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has lectured Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja (aka Peller) on “standard institutional protocols and administrative procedures” as it relates to his unauthorized access into the Benin Palace on 6th March.
In a statement by Frank Irabor, the Secretary of the BTC, he asserted: “The attention of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) 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.”
According to Irabor, “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.”
The Council called on Peller and his manager “to state publicly whether any formal written approval was granted to them. It is also pertinent to ask whether their letter of request disclosed any intention to visit any of the Ilol (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.”
In conclusion, the BTC stressed that it “remains resolute in upholding the customs, traditions, and sanctity of the Benin Royal Palace.”
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