Suspected political thugs carried out a brutal public assault on Don Pedro Obaseki, a veteran filmmaker and cousin to former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, in Benin City on Sunday, December 28. The attackers stripped him naked, alleging he made verbal attacks against the revered Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.
Violent Assault Captured on Video
The incident occurred at Uwa Primary School, where Don Pedro had gone to play football. A disturbing video of the attack circulated widely on social media platforms, including Instagram, on Sunday. The footage shows the moment he was overpowered, beaten, and publicly humiliated by a group of men.
Following the initial assault, the thugs reportedly dragged him before some chiefs at the Oba's palace. In the video, he is seen being forced to kneel down. The assailants told palace guards they had brought an "Oghion" (enemy) of the Oba. As of now, the specific remarks Don Pedro allegedly made against the palace remain unclear and have not been publicly detailed.
Historical Context: Obaseki's Tenure and Palace Rifts
This violent episode is not an isolated event but appears rooted in longstanding political and cultural tensions between the former governor's administration and the Benin Royal Palace. During Godwin Obaseki's tenure, two major conflicts arose:
- Ban on Okaigheles: The then-governor placed a ban on Okaigheles (youth leaders) across the seven local government areas of Benin Kingdom. Obaseki argued their activities fueled cultism and violence. The Palace strongly rejected this ban, stating that Okaigheles are an integral part of Benin tradition.
- Repatriation of Benin Bronzes: A significant dispute emerged over the repatriation of thousands of artifacts, known as the Benin Bronzes, looted by British forces in 1897. The Oba maintained that the artifacts, stolen from the Palace, should be returned directly to the Palace. However, Governor Obaseki's administration proposed housing them in the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), which was to be managed by a private entity.
These clashes created a deep-seated rift, and it seems Don Pedro Obaseki may have become a target in this unresolved conflict.
Reactions and Unanswered Questions
The attack has sent shockwaves through Edo State, raising serious concerns about public safety, political vendettas, and respect for traditional institutions. As of now, there has been no official statement from the Benin Palace regarding the incident. It is also unclear if any arrests have been made by the Edo State Police Command in connection with the violent assault.
This event highlights the volatile intersection of politics, tradition, and security in the region. Observers are watching closely to see how authorities will respond to this act of mob justice and whether it will inflame or lead to a resolution of the underlying tensions between political and traditional power centers in Benin.
