Nigerian streamer and content creator Habeeb Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, has apologised publicly following the backlash he received after appearing on a livestream dressed in a white outfit and asking people to call him Jesus Christ.
The incident generated controversy after one of his guests refused to participate in the act, cautioning the streamer against making statements or jokes that could be considered disrespectful to religious beliefs.
A video of the encounter subsequently circulated on social media, attracting criticism from viewers who expressed displeasure over his portrayal of Jesus Christ.
Reacting to the controversy, Peller released a video to apologise, claiming he never intended to offend Christians or disrespect their religion.
According to the streamer, he only wore a white piece of clothing and did not realise that his appearance and actions would generate such a strong reaction.
While expressing regret, Peller appealed to Christians to forgive him, insisting that he had no intention of causing offence.
In his words:
“Yes, I’m very sorry. Yeah I just wear that white cloth, I don’t know it is problem I am facing. Christian people sorry, you hear, I don’t know. See my problem, I go well, that guy won’t kill me here for top top red and white cloth. I don’t know for him. You hear, guys, sorry. You hear, Christian people, sorry. Yeah, I love you, Christian people. Yeah, I’m a Christian too. Yeah, I go to Christ Apostolic church. Yeah, I’m a Muslim on one side. Yeah, so sorry.”
Peller also described himself as a Christian who attends the Christ Apostolic Church while making reference to Islam, apparently emphasising that he respects both religious groups.
His apology comes amid the criticism trailing the livestream, with the incident generating conversations about religious sensitivity and the limits of comedy and entertainment on social media.