Nigerian filmmaker and former media executive, Don Pedro Obaseki, has publicly recounted a harrowing experience of alleged abduction and severe assault in Benin City, Edo State, on Sunday, December 28, 2025. Obaseki, a prominent figure in Nollywood and a cousin to former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, claims he was seized by a group of youths, some reportedly armed, and subjected to profound public humiliation. This included being stripped naked and forcibly made to kneel at the revered Oba of Benin’s palace. The traumatic event, he suggests, stems from a perceived cultural transgression related to a public statement he made abroad, sparking widespread concern and calls for investigation into the alleged perpetrators and their motives.
The incident reportedly commenced between 11:00 and 11:30 AM while Obaseki was engaged in a football match with friends at UBA Primary School, a routine activity for the filmmaker. Assailants, whom he unequivocally describes as “youths suspected to be thugs,” abruptly attacked the sporting venue, disrupting the peaceful gathering. Obaseki asserts he was “physically abducted, basically kidnapped,” with several of his captors openly brandishing firearms, creating a palpable atmosphere of fear and intimidation. He further stated that these individuals, seemingly emboldened by their actions, explicitly claimed they were operating under direct instructions from the revered palace of the Oba of Benin, a declaration that added a layer of profound distress and confusion to the unfolding events.
The ordeal intensified significantly as Obaseki was forcibly paraded through the bustling streets of Benin, a public spectacle designed to maximize his humiliation. He vividly described being “dragged, beaten severely, manhandled,” enduring physical abuse and psychological torment as he was led through the city. The culmination of this degrading procession saw him stripped of his clothing before his captors allegedly took him to the entrance of the Oba of Benin’s palace, where he was compelled to kneel publicly. Obaseki expressed profound personal humiliation, stating he had “never been so humiliated because I am who I am, because of my nativity,” especially given his long-standing and well-documented commitment to promoting and preserving Edo culture.
Obaseki links the alleged attack directly to a statement he made during a recent trip to London, suggesting it was the catalyst for this brutal reprisal. He claims his “sin” was publicly wishing, “May Edo people live long and prosper,” rather than adhering to the deeply entrenched and customary salutation, “May the Oba live long and prosper.” According to Obaseki, this deviation from traditional protocol was interpreted as a “cardinal sin” within Benin cultural circles, particularly for someone of his public standing and decades-long contributions to elevating the Benin race’s cultural heritage. This interpretation underscores the delicate balance between modern expression and deeply rooted traditional customs within the Edo kingdom.
The filmmaker conveyed his deep sense of trauma, bewilderment, and betrayal following the incident. He highlighted his extensive career, spanning 35 to 40 years, during which he has consistently championed, documented, and pioneered various aspects of Edo culture through his artistic and media endeavors. This lifelong dedication, he noted, made the alleged motive for his abduction and public shaming all the more inexplicable and personally devastating, leaving him questioning the very foundations of his cultural identity and service to his people. His narrative paints a picture of a man grappling with an assault not just on his person, but on his cultural allegiance.
Following his harrowing experience, Obaseki was eventually released by his captors and subsequently taken to a local police station. He reported that the Commissioner of Police in Edo State swiftly intervened, demonstrating a high level of concern by visiting him multiple times within two hours and ultimately ordering his release from the Oba Market police station. Significantly, Obaseki stated that subsequent discussions with chiefs at the palace after his release indicated a clear and unequivocal denial on their part regarding any involvement in orchestrating the abduction or assault. This suggests the assailants either acted independently, misrepresented their authority, or were part of a rogue element, further complicating the investigation into the incident’s true origins and those responsible.
The incident has ignited discussions about the rule of law and the protection of citizens, even in the face of perceived cultural missteps. While the Oba of Benin’s palace has distanced itself from the actions of the alleged abductors, the use of the revered institution’s name by the assailants raises serious questions about accountability and the potential for abuse of traditional authority. Authorities are now faced with the task of thoroughly investigating Obaseki’s claims, identifying the perpetrators, and ensuring justice is served, thereby upholding public trust and maintaining peace within the community.
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