Oba of Benin Not Involved in Attack on Pedro Obaseki – Palace
By Erewunmi Peace
The Palace of the Oba of Benin has denied reports linking the monarch to the recent attack on Dr. Pedro Obaseki, describing such claims as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), the palace said the Oba of Benin was not involved in, nor did he authorise, any form of assault against Obaseki.
The council stressed that the revered traditional ruler is a peace-loving father who does not condone violence in any form.
The denial follows widespread reports that Obaseki, a filmmaker and cousin of former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, was allegedly attacked by a group of youths in Benin City.
Some accounts claimed the attackers acted on behalf of the palace, an assertion the BTC firmly rejected.
According to the council, the actions of individuals or groups should not be attributed to the Oba or the palace institution. It also called on security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice.
The palace further urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could incite tension or tarnish the image of the Benin traditional institution.
As of the time of filing this report, investigations into the incident are ongoing, while several civil society groups and public figures have condemned the alleged assault and called for accountability.
