Renowned Nigerian filmmaker, Don Pedro Obaseki, has shared a harrowing experience of physical assault and public humiliation allegedly meted out to him by a group of youths in Benin City, Edo State. The incident, which he described as deeply traumatic, stemmed from comments he made during a recent event in London.
The Assault and Public Humiliation
According to Obaseki's detailed account given in an interview with AIT, the attack occurred while he was engaged in a football game. He was suddenly accosted by a group of thugs who claimed they had been sent by the palace of the Oba of Benin. Their mission, they stated, was to bring him before the monarch to answer for allegedly disrespecting the royal crown.
The filmmaker was then forcibly dragged through several roads, publicly striped naked, and subsequently taken to the palace. He narrated that upon arrival, some chiefs spoke with his assailants. Following this, he was taken to a police station, where he was later released on the directive of the Edo State Commissioner of Police.
The Alleged Offence: A London Speech
Obaseki clarified that his purported offence was a comment made at an event in London. He explained that he had said, "May Edo people live long and prosper," instead of the traditional royal salute, "May the Oba live long and prosper." The attackers cited this deviation as the reason for their violent actions.
However, the veteran filmmaker expressed his belief that the palace did not sanction the attack. He noted that the demeanor and reactions of the chiefs he encountered at the palace strongly suggested they were unaware of and had not ordered the assault.
Aftermath and Emotional Toll
Don Pedro Obaseki stated that the entire ordeal has left him feeling distraught and traumatized. The violent and degrading nature of the attack has raised significant concerns about public safety and the interpretation of cultural respect. The incident highlights the tensions that can arise around traditional institutions and freedom of expression.
The event was reported to have occurred recently, with Obaseki's interview airing and being widely shared on platforms like Linda Ikeji's blog on December 28, 2025. The case brings to the fore discussions on the rule of law, the activities of youth vigilante groups, and the protection of citizens' rights.
