The popular Nigerian content creator Hamzat Habeeb Adelaja, known professionally as Peller, has formally addressed the N395 million lawsuit filed against him following a controversial video involving the Benin Traditional Council. In a statement released via his legal representatives and social media channels, the TikTok star expressed regret over the perceived disrespect toward the Oba of Benin while attempting to clarify the satirical intent behind his content.
The controversy began when Peller posted a video that many perceived as mocking the ancient customs and the person of the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II. The Benin Palace, an institution that functions as the heartbeat of Edo State cultural identity, responded with a legal demand for damages totaling N395 million, citing defamation and the desecration of traditional values. This moment marks a significant collision between the unregulated “wild west” of Gen Z digital entertainment and the immovable pillars of Nigerian heritage .
Peller confirmed that he received formal legal notice regarding the suit initiated by representatives of the Benin Traditional Council. The creator, who rose to prominence through chaotic, high-energy livestreams and comedic skits, admitted that the video in question was filmed without a full grasp of the legal and cultural repercussions associated with the Benin monarchy. His legal team has indicated a preference for an out-of-court settlement, emphasizing that Peller is a “youthful entertainer” whose primary goal is humor rather than malice.
The Benin Traditional Council has not publicly rescinded the suit. Their position remains centered on the principle that the throne is not a subject for digital parody. The N395 million figure is not merely a punitive fine but a symbolic statement on the “price” of dignity within the kingdom. For Peller, whose revenue streams are tied to platform monetization and brand deals, a judgment of this magnitude would be career-ending .
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This is not just a story about a botched comedy skit. It is a story about the disconnect between the digital economy and the physical realities of Nigerian law. Creators like Peller exist in a bubble where “clout” is the primary currency. In this ecosystem, the more “unhinged” or “disrespectful” a creator is to established norms, the higher the engagement. However, the Benin Palace operates on a timeline of centuries, not the 24-hour cycle of a TikTok algorithm.
The Benin monarchy is one of the most protected and revered institutions in West Africa. Unlike Western “influencer” culture, which thrives on the deconstruction of authority, Nigerian traditional systems maintain a level of sanctity that is often backed by both social and legal precedents. Peller’s mistake was treating the palace like just another “trending topic” to be mined for views. He failed to distinguish between the “anything goes” nature of internet subcultures and the rigid decorum required when engaging with the Edo people’s sovereign.
