Ex-Gov Obaseki’s cousin assaulted over remark on Oba of Benin

Mr Don Pedro Obaseki, a cousin of a former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, was on Sunday assaulted and stripped by youths over alleged disrespectful remarks against the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.

In a viral video seen by Daily Trust, Obaseki was attacked while playing football at the Uwa Primary School field on Igbesamwan Street.

In the video, youths were seen dragging Mr. Obaseki from the field before taking him to the palace of the oba.

During the confrontation, the youths labelled him an “oghioba” (enemy of the Oba), insisting that their action was as a result of his comments made in the United Kingdom that they considered insulting to the monarch.

The youths, on arriving at the palace, informed chiefs and guards that they brought Obaseki to answer for allegedly disrespecting the oba.

Addressing the youths, one of the chiefs said the oba was at Holy Arousa Church attending a thanksgiving service marking the end of the annual Igue Festival and urged the youths to avoid causing trouble.

He said, “We don’t want any disturbance. If anyone considers himself an enemy of the oba, leave him, and time will reveal the outcome.”

The chiefs are seen in the video taking custody of Obaseki from the youths.

Reacting, a Benin-based human rights activist, Marxist Kola Edokpayi, in a post on his Facebook, condemned the attack, describing it as a violation of Pedro Obaseki’s fundamental rights.

Meanwhile, the immediate past Governor, Godwin Obaseki, described the incident as a grave violation of fundamental human rights and a reckless disregard for the rule of law.

Obaseki, in a statement, called on security agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly and transparently, identify those responsible and ensure they were held accountable in accordance with the law.

Reacting, the spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, ASP Ikoedem, said Mr. Obaseki was rescued by the officers attached to the palace of the Oba of Benin and taken to the police station for safety.

Ikoedem said, “The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, personally went to the station to see him and has ordered immediate investigation into the matter.”

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