By Jethro Ibileke
The Obaseki family of Benin, Edo State, has announced that their son, Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki, will seek a legal redress over the humiliation he was subjected to over alleged disrespect to Oba of Benin.
Recall that a mob had stripped the former Managing Director of DAAR Communications on Sunday morning at the Uwa Primary School football field in Benin.
He was allegedly beaten, intimidated and forcefully taken away in what eyewitnesses described as a commando-style operation, a development that has sparked widespread outrage and strong public condemnation.
The family at a press conference on Tuesday, said they are absolutely in support of Dr. Don Pedro’s action to seek full legal redress and recompense on the matter.
They condemned the act as barbaric, shameful and a gross violation of fundamental human rights, vowing to support their son in legal redress.
“We are confident that the law enforcement authorities will take up this matter to its logical conclusion. The Obaseki name has long been carved in Gold through diligent services, sacrifices, and contributions, over centuries.
“The law is there against illegalities and threats. We urge our children to go about their lives and uphold our proud legacy—firmly, peacefully, and always within constitutional boundaries,” they posited.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the Okaegbe of Obaseki Family Worldwide, Pa. Daniel Igbinovia Obaseki, condemned the manner in which he was beaten, adding “no father, mother, brother, sister, or person of good conscience can witness such sordid humiliation of a son of Benin—a respected professional, cultural ambassador, and member of a front-line, noble family—without being profoundly shaken.”
He explained that the family deliberately delayed reacting in order to properly digest the “bizarre” incident and await the response of constituted authorities.
However, he noted that the disturbing scenes circulating in the public domain compelled the family to speak out, warning that such acts were capable of damaging Benin’s long-held reputation as the Home of Culture, peace and discipline.
Describing the footage as savage and wholly antithetical to Benin values, the statement stressed that no person of good conscience could witness the humiliation of a son of the soil—an accomplished professional, cultural ambassador and member of a frontline noble family—without being profoundly shaken.
The Obaseki Council also clarified that its position was neither political nor partisan, emphasizing that the family has always accommodated diverse political views, provided they are expressed with civility, respect and strict adherence to the law.
It maintained that Dr. Don Pedro Agbonifo Obaseki has conducted himself honorably at all times and that there was absolutely no justification for the violence allegedly visited upon him.
While reaffirming its respect for the Palace of the Oba of Benin as a unifying institution and moral compass for all Benin people, the family warned that nothing should be done by non-palace functionaries to undermine the dignity and exalted position of the revered traditional institution.
In the interest of justice and societal balance, the Council called for a thorough, lawful and impartial investigation into the incident, urging that anyone found culpable be held accountable.
He stated further: “The Obaseki Council has been deeply disturbed by the deplorable incident of mob violence and public humiliation meted out in broad daylight to our son, Dr. Don Pedro Agbonifo Obaseki, on Sunday, 28th December 2025, by suspected individuals who are neither palace functionaries nor agents of the state.
“The Obaseki Council wishes to state categorically, that it is not political or partisan. Our family has always been robust enough to accommodate diverse political views and personal convictions, provided they are exercised with civility, respect for others, and strict adherence to the law.
“On these counts, Dr. Don Pedro Agbonifo Obaseki has conducted himself honorably, and we find no justification whatsoever for the violence visited upon him.”
According to the family, “Obaseki Council is deeply mindful of the exalted position of the Palace of the Oba of Benin as a unifying force and role model for ALL Benin People. Nothing should be done by non Palace functionaries to diminish these.
“In the interest of public order, justice, and societal balance, the Obaseki Council supports the use of lawful and impartial processes to ascertain the facts surrounding this incident and to hold accountable any persons foundation to have committed criminal acts.
“Accountability, pursued calmly and lawfully, is essential to prevent a dangerous descent into anarchy and to reassure law abiding citizens that no one is above the law.
They called on the entire members of the family to exercise restraint: “We urge calm, restraint, and reflection. This moment calls for wisdom, not incitement; for justice, not vengeance; but strong resolve to restore sanity and the reaffirmation of the finest values of the Benin People.”
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