The Obaseki family of Benin, Edo State, has thrown its weight behind its son, Dr Pedro Obaseki, following the alleged assault and public humiliation he suffered over the weekend, announcing support for his decision to seek justice through legal means.
Dr Obaseki, a former Managing Director of DAAR Communications, was reportedly attacked by a mob on Sunday at the Uwa Primary School football field in Benin. Videos that later surfaced online showed him being stripped naked, intimidated and forcefully taken to the palace, where he was handed over to chiefs.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the Okaegbe of the Obaseki family Worldwide, Pa Daniel Obaseki, strongly condemned the incident, describing it as degrading and unjustifiable.
He said no responsible family or community member could watch such treatment of “a son of Benin, a respected professional and cultural ambassador” without feeling deeply disturbed.
According to him, the family deliberately delayed reacting to the incident to fully understand what happened and allow relevant authorities to respond appropriately.
“The humiliation and violence meted out to Dr Pedro Obaseki were barbaric, shameful and a clear violation of his fundamental human rights,” he said, adding that there was no justification for the attack.
Pa Daniel called for a thorough, lawful and impartial investigation into the matter and insisted that anyone found responsible should be held accountable.
He stressed that the Obaseki family was not acting out of political or partisan motives, noting that the family had always accommodated diverse political opinions as long as they were expressed within the bounds of the law and mutual respect.
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While reaffirming respect for the Oba of Beninand the palace as a unifying and revered institution, the family warned against actions by individuals who are not palace functionaries that could tarnish the dignity of the traditional institution.
“The Oba of Benin’s palace remains a moral compass and symbol of unity for the Benin people. Nothing should be done to diminish its exalted position,” he said.
The family urged calm and restraint, calling on members of the public to allow justice to take its course.
“This is a time for wisdom, not incitement; for justice, not vengeance. We must restore sanity and uphold the finest values of the Benin people through lawful means,” Pa Daniel concluded.
