*Mob assault, strip Obaseki’s cousin over alleged disrespectful remarks against Benin monarch
By Jethro Ibileke
The immediate past Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has condemned the alleged violent attack and abduction of his cousin, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, at gunpoint by armed thugs said to be acting under the instructions of the palace of the Oba of Benin.
Dr Pedro Obaseki, a former Managing Director of DAAR Communications and a renowned journalist, was attacked at Uwa Primary School, where he was subjected to physical assault, intimidation, and torture by the armed thugs before being forcefully taken to the palace.
A viral video circulating on social media shows the armed thugs taking the brutalised Dr Pedro, who was already stripped of his clothing, to the palace, where they were ceremoniously received by some palace chiefs.
Sources say the thugs are awaiting further instructions from the Oba of Benin before Dr. Pedro Obaseki is released.
Reacting to the development, Obaseki, in a statement on Sunday, described the incident as a grave violation of fundamental human rights and a reckless disregard for the rule of law.
He said: “I strongly condemn the violent attack, maiming, and abduction of my cousin, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, by armed thugs who are said to be acting under instructions of the palace of the Oba of Benin.”
The former Governor expressed deep disappointment over the involvement of the palace in such a barbaric, shameful, and ignoble act.
He added, “I am surprised that our monarch would stoop so low and allow his hands to be soiled in such an ignoble act. This is not only embarrassing but deeply troubling.
“I call on security agencies to immediately investigate this matter thoroughly and transparently, identify those responsible for this barbaric act, and ensure they are held accountable in accordance with the law. A situation where thugs and non-state actors appear to freely take the law into their own hands on behalf of high-profile individuals and those in positions of authority can only result in one outcome: a degeneration into a state of anarchy, which will do no one any good.
“I urge human rights organizations, civil society groups, and all well-meaning Nigerians to lend their voices and speak out firmly against this injustice and gross violation of human rights.”
Mob assault, strip Obaseki’s cousin over alleged disrespectful remarks against Benin monarch
Dozens of angry youths have reportedly assaulted and stripped one Don Pedro Obaseki, a cousin of former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, over alleged disrespectful remarks against the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, December 28, 2025, while the victim was playing football at Uwa Primary School field, located along Igbesamwan Street.
Footage of a viral video showed the youths dragging him from the field before taking him to the Oba’s Palace.
When confronted, the youths labelled him an “oghioba” (enemy of the Oba), insisting that their action stemmed from comments he allegedly made in the United Kingdom that they considered insulting to the monarch.
Upon arriving at the palace, the youths informed palace chiefs and guards that they brought Obaseki to answer for allegedly disrespecting the Oba. However, palace chiefs quickly intervened.
One of the chiefs who addressed the agitated youths informed them that the Oba was at Holy Arousa Church attending a thanksgiving service marking the end of the annual Igue Festival.
The chief, whose identity could not be confirmed, urged the youths to avoid causing trouble.
”We don’t want any disturbance. If anyone considers himself an enemy of the Oba, leave him, and time will reveal the outcome,” a chief cautioned.
The video, however, showed palace chiefs taking custody of Obaseki from the youths.
A Benin-based human rights activist, Kola Edokpayi, while reacting to the incident in a post on his Facebook page, condemned the attack, describing it as a violation of Pedro Obaseki’s fundamental rights.
He emphasized that the Palace would never endorse any act that violates human rights.
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