The Palace of the Oba of Benin has formally dissociated itself from the reported attack on media practitioner, Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki, describing the incident as unauthorised and contrary to the values 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 comments were said to be critical of the Benin Monarchy, sparking reactions that allegedly led to the confrontation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Mr. Frank Irabor, categorically denied any involvement by the Oba of Benin in the incident. He emphasised that His Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, is a peace-loving monarch and a father to all, whose character and leadership style do not permit acts of violence or intimidation.
“The Benin Traditional Council wishes to use this medium to inform the general public that the unfortunate incident in which Pedro Obaseki was manhandled was not authorised by the Oba of Benin,” the statement read. “And it cannot be authorised because it is not in the character of our revered monarch to do so. The Oba of Benin is a peace-loving father to all.”
The Council further warned youths against resorting to self-help, regardless of provocation, and urged them to always respect the laws of the land by allowing appropriate security agencies to handle disputes and grievances.
In addition, the statement advised social media users to exercise caution by verifying information before sharing it publicly, noting that misinformation could escalate tensions unnecessarily.
Concluding the statement, the Benin Traditional Council conveyed the goodwill message of the Oba of Benin to the public. “His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, wishes you all a happy new year,” Mr. Irabor said.
