Benin Council Declares Peller Persona Non Grata Over Alleged Palace Intrusion

The Benin Traditional Council has taken decisive action against popular social media influencer Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, widely known as “Peller,” declaring him persona non grata over an alleged unauthorised entry into the historic Benin Palace.

The development follows reports that the influencer gained access to the palace on March 6, 2026, without official clearance, an act the council considers a grave violation of long-standing traditional protocols governing the revered institution.

The Benin Palace, which serves as the official seat of the Oba of Benin, holds deep cultural, spiritual, and historical significance within the Benin Kingdom and beyond. Access to the palace is highly regulated, with strict procedures in place to preserve its sanctity and authority.

Reacting to the incident, the council condemned the alleged breach, describing it as disrespectful and unacceptable. It stressed that individuals, regardless of social status or public influence, must adhere strictly to established customs and protocols when engaging with traditional institutions.

The declaration of persona non grata effectively prohibits Peller from entering the palace premises or participating in any activities linked to the Benin traditional institution. The move underscores the council’s commitment to upholding discipline, respect, and the dignity of the monarchy.

The incident has also raised concerns about possible lapses in palace security, as observers question how an unauthorised individual was able to gain entry into such a highly secured and symbolic location. Calls have emerged for a review of security measures to prevent a recurrence.

Beyond the immediate controversy, the situation has ignited wider debate on social media regarding the conduct of influencers and the growing tension between digital culture and traditional values. Many commentators have emphasised the need for greater awareness and respect for Nigeria’s cultural heritage, especially among young public figures.

As of press time, Peller has yet to issue any official statement addressing the allegations or the council’s decision.

Benin Council Declares Peller Persona Non Grata Over Alleged Palace Intrusion

Rotimi Salami Says He Would Raise a Child Even if DNA Proved Otherwise

Nollywood actor Rotimi Salami has sparked conversation across social media after revealing that he would accept and raise a child even if a DNA test showed the child was not biologically his. The actor shared his perspective during a recent interview with BBC Yoruba, emphasizing that fatherhood is about more than genetics.

Salami explained, “If DNA says a child is not mine, and I already see the child as mine, I will accept the child. The bond between parent and child goes beyond blood.” He added, however, that he was unsure how he would handle the situation with his wife, indicating that the discussion would be deeply personal.

READ ALSO:

• Army Reclaims Borno Community, Inflicts Heavy Losses on Boko Haram in Yobe
• Armed Bandits Strike Kwara Village, Kidnap Mother, Two Children
• UN Condemns U.S–Israel Airstrikes on Iran, Lebanon as International Law Violations

The actor’s statement comes amid broader discussions in Nigeria about paternity scams and the role of DNA testing in determining parental responsibility. Salami highlighted the importance of emotional bonds, care, and stability for a child, asserting that abandoning a child due to biological circumstances would be unfair.

Salami also reflected on the recent death of fellow actor Allwell Ademola, who passed away from cardiac arrest despite managing her asthma condition. He described her death as the “appointed time of her life,” noting that sudden heart events can happen regardless of a person’s health practices.

The actor’s stance has been widely discussed online, with many fans praising his commitment to the emotional well-being of children, and his approach has sparked debate about parenting, responsibility, and morality beyond DNA tests.

Rotimi Salami Says He Would Raise a Child Even if DNA Proved Otherwise

Broda Shaggi Reportedly Shot While Filming Skit in Ogun, Hospitalised

Popular Nigerian comedian, skit maker and social media influencer Samuel Animashaun Perry, widely known as Broda Shaggi, has reportedly been hospitalised after sustaining a gunshot injury while filming a comedy skit in the Sango-Ota area of Ogun State.

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday afternoon beneath the Sango-Ota bridge, where the comedian and his production team had gathered to record a skit.

According to a police source familiar with the situation, the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting incident involving Broda Shaggi remain unclear. However, the source disclosed that the content creator allegedly sustained the injury during the filming session.

“He was shooting a skit under the Sango-Ota bridge when he sustained a gunshot injury. We don’t yet have details about how it happened, but his crew members quickly rushed him to the hospital,” the source said.

Following the incident, the injured comedian was reportedly taken to Blooming Care Hospital, where he received emergency medical treatment shortly after arriving at the facility.

Medical personnel at the hospital reportedly administered first aid treatment before assessing the severity of the injury.

Further findings revealed that he was later transferred to Duchess International Hospital, located in the Government Residential Area (GRA) of Ikeja, where he is currently receiving further treatment and recovering.

READ ALSO:

• Nigeria Intensifies Counter-Terror Operations as Tinubu Approves Military Hardware
• King Mitchy Apologises to Seyi Tinubu, Ooni of Ife, VeryDarkMan After Online Controversy
• Tracy Ohiri Retracts Allegations Against Umahi, Issues Public Apology

Attempts to obtain official comments from both medical facilities were unsuccessful as calls placed to their publicly listed contact numbers did not connect. A text message sent to the hospitals had also not received a response at the time of filing this report.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Abimbola Adebisi, said the police were alerted by hospital authorities after the injured comedian was brought in.

According to her, detectives and a patrol team were immediately deployed to the hospital following the report.

“The hospital contacted the police to report that a gunshot victim had been brought to their facility. Detectives and a patrol team were immediately mobilised to the hospital, where they discovered that the victim was a skit maker and social media influencer popularly known as Broda Shaggy.

“He was seen on a stretcher with an injury to his thigh. The location of the incident is in Sango-Ota and not within our jurisdiction, but the investigation is ongoing,” she said.

However, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the alleged shooting incident had not yet been officially reported to the command in Ogun State.

“The incident was alleged to have occurred in Ogun State, but it was not reported,” he said.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the comedian’s management were unsuccessful. Calls placed to his manager, Olufemi Oguntamu, also known as Penzaar, were not answered, while a text message sent to him had not received a response as of the time of filing this report.

Broda Shaggi is widely recognised as one of Nigeria’s most influential digital comedians, known for his energetic “area boy” character in viral comedy skits and for appearances in Nollywood productions.

The incident has sparked concern among fans on social media, with many wishing the comedian a speedy recovery while awaiting further clarification on how the shooting occurred.

The development also recalls a similar incident in October 2024 when popular Nigerian content creator Afeez Ojesanmi, popularly known as Salo, was reportedly robbed and shot in the Lekki area of Lagos State.

Security authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged shooting of Broda Shaggi.

Broda Shaggi Reportedly Shot While Filming Skit in Ogun, Hospitalised