Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has strongly condemned the brutal attack on his cousin, Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki, by youths suspected to be thugs in Benin City. The incident occurred on Sunday while Dr. Don Pedro was playing football at Uwa Primary School on Igbesamwan Street. Eyewitness reports indicate that the assailants assaulted, stripped, and allegedly took him to the palace of the Oba of Benin.
In a statement released to newsmen, the former governor described the attack as a grave violation of fundamental human rights and a reckless disregard for the rule of law. He called on security agencies to investigate the matter immediately and ensure the arrest of those responsible.
“I strongly condemn the violent attack, maiming, and abduction of my cousin, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, by armed thugs who are said to be acting under instructions from the highly placed institution,” Obaseki said. “Dr. Pedro Obaseki, a former Managing Director of DAAR Communications and a renowned journalist, was attacked at Uwa Primary School, where he was subjected to physical assault, intimidation, and torture by armed thugs before being forcefully taken to the palace.”
The attack was captured in a viral video circulating on social media, showing the youths dragging a partially stripped Dr. Don Pedro towards the palace. The attackers reportedly accused him of making disrespectful remarks against the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, which they claimed were made while he was abroad in the United Kingdom.
The former governor expressed deep disappointment over the alleged involvement of the palace in the incident, describing it as both embarrassing and troubling. He warned that allowing thugs and non-state actors to act on behalf of high-profile individuals or institutions sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the rule of law.
“A situation where thugs and non-state actors appear to freely take the law into their own hands on behalf of high-profile individuals and those in positions of authority can only result in one outcome—a degeneration into a state of anarchy, which will do no one any good,” Obaseki added.
Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki is a respected figure in Edo State. He previously served as the Managing Director of DAAR Communications, a prominent media organization in Nigeria. Known for his contributions to journalism and media development, Pedro Obaseki’s involvement in this incident has drawn attention from human rights organizations, civil society groups, and the general public.
Obaseki urged human rights advocates and concerned Nigerians to speak out against the assault and ensure that justice is served. “I urge human rights organizations, civil society groups, and all well-meaning Nigerians to lend their voices and speak out firmly against this injustice and gross violation of human rights,” he said.
The attack on Dr. Don Pedro comes amid heightened sensitivities in Edo State regarding the intersection of politics, traditional institutions, and public opinion. The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, is a highly respected monarch in Edo State, and any perceived disrespect toward him can generate significant reactions within the community.
However, experts emphasize that taking the law into one’s hands is unacceptable, regardless of the perceived offense. Legal analysts note that even when accusations involve high-profile individuals or culturally sensitive issues, the law requires that grievances be addressed through formal channels. Mob action, abduction, and public humiliation violate human rights and risk escalating tensions in the community.
The Edo State Police Command has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, though observers expect that an investigation will be launched in response to calls from Obaseki and human rights groups. Residents of Benin City have expressed concern over the attack, emphasizing that no one should be subjected to violence for alleged remarks, regardless of their social or political connections.
The former governor also warned that failure to hold the perpetrators accountable could embolden others to take similar actions. “Allowing such behavior to go unpunished sends a dangerous message that violent intimidation is acceptable, which threatens the safety of all citizens,” he said.
This incident has already sparked public debate on social media, with many Nigerians expressing outrage at the attack. Commentators emphasized the importance of respecting human rights, even when addressing sensitive cultural or traditional matters.
Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki’s ordeal highlights the risks faced by public figures in Nigeria, particularly those who have familial or professional ties to prominent politicians. It also raises questions about the influence of traditional institutions on civic life and the responsibilities of citizens and leaders to adhere to lawful procedures.
While the viral video has drawn widespread attention, observers note that the focus should be on ensuring justice and safeguarding Dr. Don Pedro’s rights, rather than inflaming further tension. Proper investigation and accountability can prevent similar incidents in the future and reassure the public that Nigeria’s legal and human rights frameworks are respected.
As the investigation unfolds, the former governor’s call for justice serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding human rights, ensuring accountability, and protecting citizens from mob actions or politically motivated attacks. The public and authorities alike will be watching closely to see how the Edo State Police Command and other relevant institutions respond to this alarming incident.