Ex-Gov Obaseki condemns assault on cousin Pedro, stripped and beaten in Benin

Suspected thugs on Monday reportedly assaulted and stripped a media consultant and agribusiness executive, Don Pedro Obaseki, in Benin City, Edo State.

Pedro Obaseki, a cousin of former Edo State governor Godwin Obaseki and a former Managing Director of DAAR Communications, was attacked at Uwa Primary School, where he had gone to play football. He was beaten, stripped half-naked and forcefully taken away by his attackers.

Unconfirmed reports linked the assault to comments Pedro Obaseki allegedly made during a former governor’s meet-and-greet in Europe, which some quarters reportedly interpreted as critical of the Benin Monarchy.

A video that later circulated online showed him kneeling half-naked at the Oba Palace gate, as those who dragged him there told palace guards that he was an Oghion Oba (enemy of the Oba), insisting he should kneel.

In the footage, some palace chiefs were heard addressing the suspected attackers in the Bini language, cautioning against any disturbance as the Oba was on his way to the Holy Arousa Church for a Thanksgiving service marking the end of the Igue festival. One of the chiefs was heard saying:
“Today is Thanksgiving Day at the Holy Arousa. We don’t want any trouble. If there is anybody who considers himself an enemy of the Oba, let him see how he will end up.”

Reacting, former Governor Obaseki strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a serious breach of human rights and a blatant disregard for the rule of law.

“I am surprised that such an act could occur in our community. This is not only embarrassing but deeply troubling. I call on security agencies to investigate this matter thoroughly and transparently, identify those responsible, and ensure they are held accountable in accordance with the law. A situation where individuals appear to take the law into their own hands undermines public order and safety,” he said.

He also appealed to civil society and rights groups to intervene.
“I call on human rights organizations, civil society groups, and all well-meaning Nigerians to speak out firmly against this injustice and gross violation of human rights,” Obaseki added.

In a separate statement, the former governor reiterated his position, saying:
“I strongly condemn the violent attack, maiming, and abduction of my cousin, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, by armed individuals. I call on security agencies to investigate this matter thoroughly and transparently, identify those responsible, and ensure they are held accountable in accordance with the law.”

Opinion Nigeria News