Abeokuta's royal palace was the latest venue for popular Nigerian streamer Habeeb Hamzat, also known as Peller, as part of his nationwide streaming tour. However, his visit was cut short after a tense incident with palace officials. The online personality, known for engaging with fans and showcasing various locations, had arrived at the palace of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, but his team's conduct was deemed inappropriate for the traditional setting.
According to a viral video, a palace chief expressed dissatisfaction with Peller's team, citing their manner of entry as unacceptable. As tensions escalated, other palace officials intervened, halting the visit and instructing the group to leave the premises immediately. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Peller quickly withdrew from the palace, urging his crew to exit.
This incident comes on the heels of a similar issue in Benin, where the Benin Traditional Council reportedly declared Peller wanted over claims that he visited the palace without prior approval. His management had refuted the allegations, insisting that all necessary protocols had been observed.
Peller's recent run-ins with traditional institutions are a stark reminder of the complexities of cultural protocol in Nigeria. As Afrobeats and Nollywood continue to bridge the gap between traditional and modern Nigeria, incidents like these highlight the need for respect and understanding between old and new. The Alake of Egbaland's palace is a revered institution, and Peller's team would do well to learn from this experience.
