Social media personality Oba Solomon has broken his silence regarding a perceived slight from TikTok influencer Habeeb Hamzat, better known as Peller, nearly a year after the incident occurred. The controversy centers around Peller referring to Oba Solomon as “mallam” in a video posted approximately 12 months ago.
The delayed response has sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms, with many questioning the timing of Oba Solomon’s reaction to comments made so long ago. In a fiery video that has since gone viral, Oba Solomon did not hold back his displeasure, threatening to place a curse on the younger influencer using a horn—a traditional symbol often associated with spiritual power in some Nigerian cultures.
“Despite your growing fame and wealth, you must show respect to your elders,” Oba Solomon declared in his response video, characterizing Peller as a “small boy” who acquired wealth at an early age but lacks the wisdom that should accompany success. He emphasized that financial prosperity does not exempt anyone from showing proper respect to those older than themselves.
Oba Solomon further justified his position by noting that he has children and siblings who are roughly the same age as Peller, suggesting that the TikToker’s behavior was particularly inappropriate given their age difference. “I have always respected my elders and expect the same courtesy from younger individuals,” he stated firmly in the video.
The conflict highlights generational tensions that frequently emerge in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving social media landscape, where younger influencers sometimes clash with older public figures over issues of respect and traditional hierarchies. Nigeria’s deeply ingrained cultural emphasis on respect for elders makes such confrontations particularly sensitive.
Social media users have offered mixed reactions to the dispute. User @mbrkslymn16 questioned the timing of Oba Solomon’s response: “Why [do] people want this boy down? This thing he dey talk is almost a year now, why did he come out and say it again at this moment people are dragging him.” This sentiment was echoed by @portersview, who commented: “Something that happened over a year ago this is 2025 stop looking for someone downfall.
Others defended Peller against what they perceive as excessive criticism. User @iamtife_xx observed: “From one dragging to another, Peller and Jarvis dey try abeg dem don drag them tire,” suggesting that Peller has faced significant public scrutiny recently. Meanwhile, @ashle_y43636 noted the polarizing reactions to Peller’s behavior: “If them talk say Peller rude people go talk say them dey hate am.”
Some commenters sided with Oba Solomon, however. User @drey.cash12 wrote: “And nah true this man dey talk pikin wey get money at small age suppose geh sense but that Peller don dey do too much shaa,” agreeing that young successful individuals should still demonstrate proper conduct despite their wealth.
The term “mallam,” which sparked the controversy, typically refers to a learned or respected Muslim scholar in Northern Nigeria. When used out of context or directed at someone who doesn’t identify with the title, it can sometimes be perceived as disrespectful or inappropriate, particularly when there are sectarian or cultural sensitivities involved.
Media analysts suggest that this public feud reflects broader dynamics in Nigeria’s digital content creation space, where tensions frequently arise between established personalities and newer influencers. The explosive growth of platforms like TikTok has created overnight celebrities who sometimes navigate traditional social hierarchies differently than their predecessors.
Several commenters speculated about Oba Solomon’s motivations for addressing the year-old slight now. User @pels_trendytrove suggested: “Baba dey find youtube money, something that happen more than a year ago,” implying that the response might be motivated by a desire for increased engagement and monetization opportunities that come with viral content.
Some attempted to defuse the situation, with @obelomofc pleading: “Oba sorry sir forgive Peller. Who is that lady in the picture abeg,” attempting to simultaneously request reconciliation while diverting attention to another aspect of the video.
The timing of Oba Solomon’s response coincides with a period when Peller has reportedly been facing other public criticism, leading some observers to question whether the resurfacing of this old conflict might compound existing challenges for the young influencer. This perspective has led to accusations that Oba Solomon might be opportunistically piling on at a vulnerable moment for Peller.
Neither Peller nor his representatives have issued an official response to Oba Solomon’s recent comments as of the time of reporting. The absence of direct engagement from Peller has left followers of both personalities speculating about whether the situation will escalate further or eventually dissipate.
Cultural commentators note that this type of intergenerational conflict plays out regularly in Nigerian social spaces, reflecting tensions between traditional values that emphasize deference to age and authority versus more contemporary approaches to social interaction that sometimes prioritize achievement and influence over seniority.
The incident serves as a reminder of how digital platforms have transformed the dynamics of public disagreements in Nigeria. What might once have been a private matter or limited local dispute can now become national entertainment, preserved indefinitely online and potentially resurface months or years later.
As the controversy continues to generate buzz across social media platforms, audiences remain divided on whether Oba Solomon’s delayed response was justified or whether, as some commenters suggested, it’s time to move forward from conflicts rooted in the distant past.
