Peller State Tour Benin Edition: Queen Gifts, Oba Palace Drama & 'Benin is the Beginning' Speech

TikTok sensation Peller, born Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, launched his nationwide tour in Benin City on March 6, 2026, opening the multi-city run with a high-profile visit to the Oba of Benin's Palace. In a speech at the palace he summed up the moment with "Benin is the beginning," thanking palace chiefs, princes and princesses and connecting the tour to the city's history.

The palace visit mixed solemn tradition, light drama and viral moments. Peller and his crew toured the historic compound and were briefed on Benin Kingdom history. Video clips that circulated widely show him addressing a chief as "Kabiyesi" and jokingly asking if they could "stop the rain." He was reminded of palace protocol, including that men should not directly approach the queen, so he greeted her from a distance. The queen returned the warmth by requesting he follow her back on Instagram, a playful moment that helped the visit trend online.

Gifts flowed in from the palace and from fans. The queen presented artworks and royal tokens, including a statuette or golden replica, while the Oba blessed Peller and gifted a traditional artwork depicting the Oba. Fans and well-wishers contributed flowers, dancers, crowds and reportedly more than $10,000 in gifts, including a custom artwork of Peller and Jarvis, a Lagos fan piece, alongside an artwork of the Oba from a chief. Peller described the reception as "massive love."

Some clips highlighted his outfit choices and occasional nervous, stuttering moments, which viewers found endearing.  Playful commentary also surfaced, with lines like "dem hold am for Benin" summing up the affectionate embrace Peller received as he set off on the first leg of his state tour.