Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has issued a strong condemnation following the violent assault and abduction of his cousin, Dr Pedro Obaseki, in Benin City. The incident, which occurred on Monday, December 29, 2025, has sparked outrage and calls for a thorough investigation.
Details of the Assault and Abduction
Dr Pedro Obaseki, a former Managing Director of DAAR Communications and a respected journalist, was attacked at Uwa Primary School in Benin City where he had gone to play football. Eyewitness accounts and widely circulated video footage depict a harrowing scene where he was physically beaten, stripped of his clothing, and intimidated before being forcibly taken away.
The viral video shows the injured man being dragged to the palace of the Oba of Benin. In the footage, he appears bruised and partially unclothed as palace chiefs are seen receiving the group that brought him. Those escorting him are heard describing him to palace guards as an "Oghion Oba," which translates to an enemy of the Oba.
Obaseki's Reaction and Call for Justice
In an official statement reacting to the incident, Godwin Obaseki accused suspected thugs of carrying out the act under the direction of the Benin palace. "I strongly condemn the violent attack, maiming and abduction of my cousin... by thugs who are said to be acting under instructions of the palace of the Oba of Benin," the former governor stated.
He described the event as unlawful, deeply disturbing, and a gross violation of basic human rights. Obaseki emphasized that such actions represent a direct affront to the rule of law in a democratic society.
Possible Motive and Broader Implications
Preliminary reports suggest the attack may be connected to comments Pedro Obaseki allegedly made during a meet-and-greet event in Europe organized by the former governor. The remarks were perceived in some quarters as critical of the Benin Monarchy, though no official complaint or legal action was reported prior to the assault.
Godwin Obaseki warned of the dangerous precedent set by such violence. "A situation where thugs and non-state actors appear to freely take the law into their own hands on behalf of high-profile individuals... can only result in a degeneration into a state of anarchy," he cautioned.
He has called on security agencies to conduct a transparent investigation, identify all perpetrators, and ensure they are held accountable under the law. The former governor also appealed to human rights organizations and civil society groups to speak out against the injustice.
Meanwhile, palace chiefs seen in the video reportedly addressed the attackers in the Bini language, noting that the Oba was not present at the palace at the time, as he was attending a thanksgiving service at Holy Arousa church marking the end of the Igue festival. As of the time of reporting, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
