By RismadarVoice Media
December 31, 2025
The Benin Traditional Council has dismissed claims that the Oba of Benin authorized the assault and harassment of Dr Pedro Obaseki, cousin of the immediate past Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
Dr Obaseki was reportedly attacked on Sunday while playing football at Uwa Primary School in Benin City. Eyewitnesses said he was stripped by a group of suspected thugs and later taken to the Oba’s Palace.
Reacting on Wednesday, the Benin Traditional Council, through its Secretary, Frank Irabor, stated that the monarch neither ordered nor sanctioned the incident.
The council described the action as inconsistent with the Oba’s character, noting that the revered monarch is known for peace, fairness.
The statement read in part:
“The Benin Traditional Council wishes to inform the public that the unfortunate incident in which Pedro Obaseki was manhandled was not authorised by the Oba of Benin. 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 Council also advises our youth not to take the laws into their hands on any issue, no matter the degree of provocation. They should respect the laws of the land, allow appropriate security agencies to handle all matters.”
The council further urged members of the public to verify information before sharing on social media.
Meanwhile, the Obaseki family has said Dr Pedro Obaseki will pursue legal action over the incident. Addressing journalists on Tuesday, the Okaegbe of the Obaseki Family Worldwide, Pa Daniel Igbinovia Obaseki, condemned the assault, describing it as degrading, a violation of fundamental human rights.
He said, “No father, mother, brother, sister, 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.”
