Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki, a prominent public figure and cousin to former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, was reportedly assaulted by a group of youths in Benin City on Sunday. The incident occurred while Obaseki was playing football at the Uwa Primary School field on Igbesamwan Street. Eyewitnesses and viral video footage indicate the youths accused him of making derogatory remarks against the revered Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.
Reports suggest the youths, identified as suspected thugs, stripped Dr. Obaseki during the confrontation. They subsequently dragged him from the playing field, openly labelling him an “oghioba,” a local term signifying an enemy of the Oba. Their actions, as conveyed in the widely circulated video, were purportedly in response to comments Obaseki allegedly made during a visit to the United Kingdom, which they deemed insulting to the revered monarch.
The agitated group then proceeded to march Dr. Obaseki to the Oba’s Palace, demanding that he answer for the alleged disrespect. Upon their arrival, palace chiefs and guards intervened, receiving the youths and their captive. The chiefs informed the crowd that the Oba was not present at the palace, as he was attending a thanksgiving service at Holy Arousa Church, marking the conclusion of the annual Igue Festival.
During the tense encounter, the palace chiefs issued a strong admonition to the youths, urging them to refrain from causing any disturbance within the kingdom. They emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order, stating, “We don’t want any disturbance. If anyone considers himself an enemy of the Oba, leave him, and time will reveal the outcome.” The viral video captured the moment the palace chiefs formally took custody of Dr. Obaseki, effectively de-escalating the immediate situation.
The Oba of Benin holds a profoundly significant position as the traditional ruler and spiritual head of the Edo people, symbolizing their rich cultural heritage and historical legacy. Perceived disrespect towards the monarch is often met with strong condemnation from members of the community, underscoring the deep reverence accorded to the institution and its occupant. This incident highlights the volatile intersection of modern public discourse and deeply rooted traditional authority.
The Igue Festival, which was concluding at the time of the incident, is an ancient and highly revered annual festival celebrated by the Edo people. It is a period of thanksgiving, spiritual cleansing, and renewal, culminating in various ceremonies and traditional rites. The timing of the alleged assault during such a culturally significant period may have contributed to the heightened emotions among the youths.
In the aftermath of the attack, prominent Benin-based human rights activist, Marxist Kola Edokpayi, publicly condemned the actions on social media. Edokpayi described the assault as a blatant violation of Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki’s fundamental human rights, emphasizing that the Oba’s palace, as an institution of justice and tradition, would never endorse or condone acts that infringe upon individual liberties or resort to mob justice.
This incident has sparked conversations regarding the balance between freedom of expression and respect for traditional institutions in Nigeria. It underscores the challenges faced by authorities in managing public sentiments, particularly when allegations of disrespect toward revered cultural figures surface. Ensuring that grievances are addressed through legal and peaceful channels remains paramount for maintaining societal harmony and upholding the rule of law within communities.
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