… Supports legal move to seek redress by Dr Obaseki
The Obaseki Council has strongly condemned the mob violence against and public humiliation of Dr. Don Pedro Agbonifo Obaseki, describing the incident as barbaric, unlawful and a grave threat to public peace and the rule of law.
In a press statement signed by Pa Daniel Igbinovia Obaseki, the Okaegbe of Obaseki Family Worldwide, and Mr. Ewere Obaseki, Secretary of the Obaseki Council, the family said it was “deeply disturbed” by the incident, which reportedly occurred in broad daylight on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
According to the statement, Dr. Obaseki, a respected professional and cultural ambassador, was allegedly subjected to mob action and public humiliation by suspected individuals who are neither palace functionaries nor agents of the state. The council said the attackers appeared to have taken the law into their own hands in a manner it described as “despicable and humiliating.”
“The scenes circulating in the public domain are savage, barbaric and wholly antithetical to the refined discipline and culture of the Benin People,” the statement said, warning that such actions could undermine Benin’s long-standing image as a home of culture and peace.
The Obaseki Council explained that it delayed issuing a public response in order to properly assess the situation and observe the reactions of constituted authorities. It stressed that the matter has far-reaching implications for public order and societal balance.
Rejecting any political interpretation of the incident, the council stated that the Obaseki family is not partisan and has historically accommodated diverse political views, provided they are expressed with civility and respect for the law. It added that Dr. Obaseki had conducted himself honorably and that no justification existed for the violence meted out to him.
The council also underscored the revered position of the Palace of the Oba of Benin as a unifying institution for all Benin people, cautioning that no actions by non-palace actors should be allowed to diminish its stature or role.
Calling for accountability, the family urged law enforcement agencies to carry out a thorough, impartial investigation into the incident and to prosecute any individuals found culpable. It warned that failure to address such acts lawfully could encourage a descent into anarchy and erode public confidence in the justice system.
The Obaseki Council expressed full support for Dr. Obaseki’s decision to seek legal redress, saying the move was necessary to assert the supremacy of the rule of law over what it described as “jungle justice.” It also expressed confidence that security agencies would pursue the matter to a logical conclusion.
Reaffirming the family’s historical contributions to society, the statement urged younger members of the Obaseki lineage to remain calm, law-abiding and committed to upholding the family’s legacy through peaceful and constitutional means.
The council concluded with a call for restraint and reflection, urging the public to embrace wisdom and justice rather than incitement or vengeance, and to work collectively toward restoring sanity and reaffirming the core values of the Benin people.
Credit: The News Guru
