The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has denied authorising the brutal assault on Pedro Obaseki, a cousin of former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
The denial was contained in a public statement issued on Wednesday by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and signed by its Secretary, Frank Irabor.
In the statement, the Council said:
“The Benin Traditional Council wishes to use this medium to inform the general public that the unfortunate incident in which Pedro Obaseki was manhandled was not authorized by the Oba of Benin.”
The BTC stressed that such an act could not have emanated from the palace, adding:
“And it cannot be authorized because it is not in the character of our revered monarch to do so. The Oba of Benin is a peace-loving father to all.”
The Council also issued a strong warning to youths against resorting to self-help, regardless of provocation.
“The Benin Traditional Council also wishes to advise our youth not to take the laws into their hands on any issue no matter the degree of provocation,” the statement read.
It further urged respect for due process:
“They should always respect the laws of the land in all actions and utterances and allow appropriate security agencies to handle all matters.”
Addressing the spread of unverified information, the BTC cautioned social media users to act responsibly.
“Social media users should equally endeavour to cross-check information appropriately before posting.”
The statement followed reports by SaharaReporters on Sunday alleging that thugs claiming to be acting on behalf of the Benin Traditional Council seized, stripped, and assaulted Pedro Obaseki, accusing him of being an “Oghionoba,” a term translated as an enemy of the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.
According to the report, Pedro Obaseki was dragged to the Benin Kingdom Palace by a group of youths over alleged activities and remarks described as disrespectful to the Oba.
Sources said the incident was linked to Pedro Obaseki’s recent attendance at a meet-and-greet event in London organised in honour of his cousin, former Governor Godwin Obaseki, who was also labelled “Oghionoba.”
In a viral video seen by SaharaReporters, Pedro Obaseki was stripped to his boxers, forced to kneel, and made to crawl within the palace premises. He was later taken before individuals dressed in white attire and adorned with beads—believed to be palace chiefs or officials—who escorted him into the palace while the mob remained outside.
Speaking in an interview with African Independent Television (AIT), Pedro Obaseki said the incident occurred between 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. while he was playing football with members of the Uwa All Stars at Uwa Primary School in Benin City.
According to the university lecturer and poet, the football ground was suddenly invaded by armed men.
“The place was attacked by assailants and I was physically abducted. In short, basically kidnapped; some of them holding guns, some of them are known thugs,” he said.
He claimed the men said they were sent by the palace of the Oba of Benin but failed to show any form of identification.
“I begged them to show me some form of ID, of course not,” he said.
Pedro Obaseki further narrated that he was beaten and dragged through several streets in Benin City.
“I was dragged, beaten severely, manhandled, and dragged through Igbesawan Street up to Akpakpava, which is the main thoroughfare in Benin, and up to Ring Road, where I was stripped naked, and taken into the palace of the Oba of Benin, and where I was meant to kneel in full publicly.”
The incident has since sparked public outrage and renewed calls for accountability and respect for the rule of law.