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Youths suspected of being thugs reportedly assaulted Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki, a cousin of former Edo State governor Godwin Obaseki, while he was playing football at the Uwa Primary School field on Igbesamwan Street in Benin City on Sunday.
According to DAILY POST, the youths stripped Obaseki, accusing him of making disrespectful comments about the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.
A viral video shows the youths dragging him off the field and taking him to the Oba’s Palace.
In the footage, the youths referred to the former governor’s cousin as an “oghioba” (enemy of the Oba).
They claimed that their actions were prompted by remarks he allegedly made in the United Kingdom, which they deemed insulting to the monarch.
Upon arriving at the palace, the youths informed the palace chiefs and guards that they had brought Obaseki to answer for his alleged disrespect towards the Oba.
The palace chiefs intervened, explaining that the Oba was attending a thanksgiving service at Holy Arousa Church to conclude the annual Igue Festival.
The chiefs urged the youths to refrain from causing disturbances in the kingdom.
“We don’t want any trouble. If anyone sees himself as an enemy of the Oba, let him be, as time will reveal the truth,” the chiefs advised.
The video also captured palace chiefs taking custody of Obaseki from the youths.
A Benin-based human rights activist, Marxist Kola Edokpayi, condemned the attack in a Facebook post, describing it as a violation of Pedro Obaseki’s fundamental rights.
Edokpayi stressed that the Oba’s palace would never support any actions that infringe upon human rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the assault on Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki?
The assault was reportedly due to accusations that Dr. Obaseki made disrespectful remarks about the Oba of Benin, which the youths found insulting.
What was shown in the viral video?
The viral video depicted the youths dragging Dr. Obaseki from the football field to the Oba’s Palace, where they labeled him an “oghioba.”
How did the palace chiefs respond to the situation?
The palace chiefs intervened by informing the youths that the Oba was at a church service and urged them not to cause any disturbances in the kingdom.
What was the reaction from human rights activists?
Human rights activist Marxist Kola Edokpayi condemned the assault, calling it a violation of Dr. Obaseki’s rights and emphasized that the Oba’s palace would not support such actions.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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