The Palace of the Oba of Benin has issued a strong statement distancing the revered monarch from the recent violent assault on veteran filmmaker and cousin to former Governor Godwin Obaseki, Pedro Obaseki.
Palace Issues Formal Denial
In a statement released on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, clarified the palace's position. The statement explicitly denied that His Royal Majesty, Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, CFR, had any knowledge or gave any authorization for the attack.
"The unfortunate incident in which Pedro Obaseki was manhandled was not authorised by the Oba of Benin and cannot be authorised, as it is not in the character of our revered monarch," the council declared. It described the Oba as a peace-loving father to all who would never sanction acts of violence.
Details of the Violent Incident
The incident occurred on Sunday at Uwa Primary School in Benin City, where Pedro Obaseki had gone to play football. According to reports, he was attacked by a group, beaten, stripped naked, and then dragged to the gate of the Oba's palace. A viral video of the event showed him being forced to kneel at the palace entrance.
In a subsequent interview with AIT, Pedro Obaseki claimed his attackers cited a comment he made recently in London. His alleged offence was saying, "May Edo people live long and prosper" instead of the traditional "May the Oba live long and prosper."
Council's Call for Order and Caution
The Benin Traditional Council used the statement to issue a broader caution. It strongly advised youths against taking the law into their own hands, regardless of any provocation, and urged respect for the laws of the land.
The council also made two key appeals to the public:
- To allow appropriate security agencies to handle all matters.
- To social media users, urging them to verify information properly before sharing.
The statement concluded with New Year goodwill from the Oba and reaffirmed the palace's commitment to peace and lawful conduct, signing off with the traditional blessing, "Oba ghato kpere."
