Adekunbi Ero
The Obaseki family of Benin, Edo State, has stood solidly with their son, Dr Don Pedro Agbonifo Obaseki in his resolve to seek legal redress over his ordeal in the hands of some irate mob who abducted, stripped and marched him through the streets to the palace of the Oba of Benin on the allegation that he disrespected the revered monarch.
TELL recalls that the scion of the popular Obaseki family and a former Managing Director of DAAR Communications, was reportedly dehumanised on Sunday morning after his abduction at the Uwa Primary School football field in Benin and allegedly subjected to severe beating, and forcefully taken away in what eyewitnesses described as a commando-style operation, sparking widespread outrage and public condemnation.
In an interview with the Vanguard on Monday, Obaseki said though he abhorred violence and would not wish to escalate tensions in the Benin Kingdom, he was however determined to seek justice through lawful means by filing both civil and criminal charges against his assailants and their sponsors.
He said, “Yes, I am definitely pursuing this to its logical legal conclusion. Everybody that beat me will pay. Those that arrested and accosted me will pay. Those that sent them, no matter how highly placed, will pay”.
Weighing in on the matter at a press conference on Tuesday, the family said it fully supported Dr Obaseki’s resolve to pursue legal action and obtain appropriate compensation.
The family condemned the incident, describing it as barbaric, shameful and a gross violation of fundamental human rights, vowing to stand firmly with their son throughout the legal process.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the Okaegbe of Obaseki Family Worldwide, Pa Daniel Igbinovia Obaseki, said, “The Obaseki Council has been deeply disturbed by the deplorable incident of mob violence and public humiliation meted out in broad daylight to our son on Sunday, December 28, 2025, by suspected individuals who are neither palace functionaries nor agents of the state,”
The family however expressed confidence that “the law enforcement authorities will take up this matter to its logical conclusion”.
According to the Okaegbe, “The Obaseki name has long been carved in gold through diligent service, sacrifice and contributions over centuries. The law is there to address illegalities and threats.”
Urging members of the family to remain law-abiding, the Okaegbe, who described the incident as “deeply distressing”, said, “We urge our children to go about their lives and uphold our proud legacy—firmly, peacefully and always within constitutional boundaries”, emphasising that “No father, mother, brother, sister or person of good conscience can witness such sordid humiliation of a son of Benin, a respected professional, cultural ambassador and member of a frontline, noble family, without being profoundly shaken”.
Pa Obaseki explained that the family deliberately delayed its response to fully assess the “bizarre” incident and await the reaction of relevant authorities.
He said the disturbing images circulating in the public domain however compelled the family to speak out, warning that such acts could damage Benin’s long-held reputation as a home of culture, peace and discipline.
The Obaseki family described the footage as savage and wholly inconsistent with Benin values, stressing that no person of conscience could witness such treatment of a son of the soil without deep concern.
The Obaseki Council also clarified that its stance was neither political nor partisan, noting that the family had always accommodated diverse political views if they were expressed with civility, respect and strict adherence to the law.
It maintained that Dr Don Pedro Obaseki had always conducted himself honourably and that there was no justification whatsoever for the violence allegedly meted out to him.
While reaffirming its respect for the Palace of the Oba of Benin as a unifying institution and moral compass for the Benin people, the family warned that no actions by non-palace functionaries should be allowed to undermine the dignity and exalted status of the revered traditional institution.
In the interest of justice and societal balance, the family called for a thorough, lawful and impartial investigation into the incident, urging that anyone found culpable be held accountable, while also appealing to members of the public for calm and restraint, as well as to shun incitement and vengeance.
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