Benin Oba Denies Authorising Attack as Obaseki’s Family Backs Pedro’s Legal Redress Bid

Felix Omoh-Asun in Benin

The Obaseki family has said that it is in full support of Don Pedro’s bid to seek redress in a court of law, following his humiliation for alleged comments he made concerning the Oba of Benin’s Palace.

The family said this in a press conference, stressing that it was hopeful that the law would take its full course concerning the matter.

The Palace of the Oba of Benin has however disassociated itself from the attack on Pedro, a cousin to former Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki. In a statement yesterday, the Benin Traditional Council said the palace had nothing to do with the youths who assaulted and stripped the media veteran naked last Sunday.

But the Obaseki family condemned the act as barbaric, shameful and a gross violation of fundamental human rights, vowing to support their son in seeking 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 the Obaseki family worldwide, Daniel Igbinovia Obaseki, condemned the manner in which Pedro was beaten and humiliated.

“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 added.

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 Obaseki family also clarified that its position was neither political nor partisan, emphasising 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 the victim, Pedro, has conducted himself honourably at all times and that there was absolutely no justification for the violence 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 Obasekis called for a thorough, lawful and impartial investigation into the incident, urging that anyone found culpable be held accountable.

“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 honourably, and we find no justification whatsoever for the violence visited upon him,” the statement noted.

But the statement from the Oba’s palace said: “The unfortunate incident in which Pedro Obaseki was manhandled was not authorised by the Oba of Benin. And it cannot be authorised 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 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. They should always respect the laws of the land in all actions and utterances and allow appropriate security agencies handle all matters.

“Social media users should equally endeavour to cross-check information appropriately before posting. His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, wishes you all a happy new year,” the statement signed by Frank Irabor, Secretary, Benin Traditional Council, stated.