The Palace of the Oba of Benin has firmly denied any involvement in the reported attack on media practitioner, Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki, describing the incident as unauthorised and completely against the principles of the Benin Monarchy.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, was reportedly linked to comments allegedly made by Dr. Obaseki in the United Kingdom during a meet-and-greet organised by former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki. The remarks were said to be critical of the Benin Monarchy and allegedly triggered reactions that led to the confrontation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Mr. Frank Irabor, made it clear that the Oba of Benin had no hand in the incident. He stressed that His Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, is a peace-loving monarch whose leadership and character do not support violence or intimidation.
“The Benin Traditional Council wishes to inform the general public that the unfortunate incident involving the manhandling of Pedro Obaseki was not authorised by the Oba of Benin,” the statement said. “Such an act cannot be attributed to our revered monarch, who is a father to all and a symbol of peace.”
The Council cautioned youths against taking laws into their own hands, regardless of provocation, and urged them to channel grievances through lawful means by allowing security agencies to handle such matters.
It also advised social media users to verify information before sharing, warning that misinformation could inflame tensions and create unnecessary conflict.
The statement ended with a goodwill message from the Oba of Benin, as the Council conveyed His Majesty’s best wishes to the public, praying for peace and harmony in the new year.
