Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki, a cousin of former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, was reportedly attacked by a group of youths in Benin City on Sunday, in an incident that drew widespread attention online. The attack occurred while Don Pedro was playing football at the Uwa Primary School field on Igbesamwan Street.
Eyewitnesses and social media reports indicate that the assailants, suspected to be local thugs, accused Obaseki of making disrespectful remarks about the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. The youths reportedly stripped him and dragged him from the field before taking him to the Oba’s Palace.
A video of the incident circulated widely on social media, showing the youths labeling Don Pedro as an “oghioba,” meaning an enemy of the Oba. According to the youths, the attack was in response to comments the former governor’s cousin allegedly made in the United Kingdom, which they considered insulting to the monarch.
Upon arriving at the palace, the youths reportedly presented Don Pedro to palace chiefs and guards, claiming he had to answer for his alleged disrespect toward the Oba. However, the palace officials intervened before the situation escalated. They reminded the youths that the Oba was attending a thanksgiving service at Holy Arousa Church to mark the climax of the annual Igue Festival.
Palace chiefs urged the youths to avoid causing disturbances in the kingdom. “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 were quoted as saying. Video footage also showed the palace officials taking custody of Don Pedro from the youths, ensuring his safety and ending the confrontation peacefully.
The incident has raised questions about the influence of social media and online statements in inciting real-life actions. Reports suggest that Don Pedro’s alleged comments in the United Kingdom, whether true or misrepresented, were enough to trigger a violent response, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding traditional institutions and their leaders in Edo State.
Oba Ewuare II, the current monarch of the Benin Kingdom, is highly respected in Edo State and beyond. His annual Igue Festival is a major cultural and religious event, attracting dignitaries, traditional chiefs, and thousands of attendees. The festival marks the end of the traditional year and is often accompanied by thanksgiving services, prayers, and ceremonies honoring the Oba and the kingdom.
Law enforcement sources in Benin City said investigations into the assault were ongoing. While no arrests had been reported immediately, the incident is likely to prompt further scrutiny of how social media statements can escalate into public confrontations, particularly when they involve sensitive cultural or traditional matters.
The attack on Don Pedro Obaseki has sparked conversations about the need for restraint and lawful conduct among youths, as well as the importance of addressing disputes through proper channels. Many commentators on social media condemned the violence and urged that conflicts be resolved peacefully rather than through mob action.
“This incident should remind everyone that no one is above the law,” one social media user wrote. “Even if someone makes a comment, it doesn’t give anyone the right to attack them physically.”
The palace intervention is seen as a positive step toward de-escalation, demonstrating the role of traditional authorities in maintaining order and mediating conflicts in the community. By taking custody of Don Pedro and urging the youths to disperse, the palace helped prevent further violence and potential escalation of tensions in the kingdom.
Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident. However, his experience is expected to highlight the ongoing challenges faced by public figures and their families in managing reputation, perception, and safety, especially when traditional and political sensitivities intersect.
The event also sheds light on broader issues of mob justice and public vigilante action in Nigeria. While traditional respect remains deeply ingrained in many communities, the legal system emphasizes that allegations, whether personal or political, should be addressed through lawful means rather than through intimidation or assault.
Edo State residents and the wider Nigerian public are now watching to see how authorities, both traditional and law enforcement, will respond to the attack. The incident could prompt a review of security measures during cultural and public events, especially in areas where tensions between political figures and traditional institutions exist.