Benin City, Edo State — Sunday, December 28, 2025
A disturbing incident in Benin City has triggered anger, fear, and heated debate after reports emerged that Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki—a Nigerian actor and filmmaker—was assaulted, stripped, and forcibly taken to the Oba of Benin’s Palace, where he was allegedly made to kneel at the gate in public humiliation. (Sahara Reporters)
The incident, widely shared online through a viral video, has raised urgent questions about public safety, abuse of power, and accountability, especially because some of the men involved reportedly claimed links to the Benin Traditional Council and accused Obaseki of “disrespect” toward the monarchy. (Sahara Reporters)
What the video and reports allege
SaharaReporters reported that the men who seized Obaseki claimed they were acting on behalf of the Benin Traditional Council, accusing him of being an “Oghionoba,” which the outlet described as meaning an enemy of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. (Sahara Reporters)
The same report said the viral video shows Obaseki stripped to his boxers, forced to kneel, and made to move on his knees within palace premises, before being taken to individuals dressed in white attire and beads—described as people believed to be palace chiefs or officials—who escorted him into the palace while the crowd remained outside. (Sahara Reporters)
What other outlets reported
PUNCH identified Obaseki as the Chief Executive Officer of Hosamudia Farm and reported that he was attacked at Uwa Primary School, where he had reportedly gone to play football, before being taken to the palace and made to kneel at the gate. (Punch Newspapers)
The Nation similarly reported that the incident began at Uwa Primary School, and that a viral video showed him kneeling at the gate of the Oba’s Palace “to pay allegiance” to the monarch, Oba Ewuare II. (The Nation Newspaper)
Both PUNCH and The Nation also reported that the group told palace guards they had brought an “Oghion” (enemy) of the Oba. (Punch Newspapers)
“Holy Arousa” mentioned during the incident
In the footage and accounts reported by PUNCH and The Nation, palace chiefs were quoted as saying the incident happened on a thanksgiving day at Holy Arousa, and that the Oba was on his way there—a warning, they said, that they did not want trouble at that moment. (Punch Newspapers)
PUNCH reported that palace chiefs later took Obaseki inside the palace despite protests from the group that brought him. (Punch Newspapers)
The Nation reported the same intervention, saying chiefs later stepped in and took him into the palace. (The Nation Newspaper)
What is not confirmed
Despite the intensity of public commentary, the available reporting does not establish that the Oba of Benin personally ordered, sponsored, or approved any assault or forced abduction.
What is currently in the public domain—based on the cited reports—is that:
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Obaseki was allegedly attacked and humiliated by a group described as “suspected thugs.” (Punch Newspapers)
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Some of those involved allegedly claimed they were acting for a palace-linked body, according to SaharaReporters. (Sahara Reporters)
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The video and eyewitness accounts circulated online, but a full official account from law enforcement was not included in these reports. (Sahara Reporters)
In plain terms: the alleged attack is being reported, but responsibility and authorization remain unproven without a formal investigation outcome.
Why the incident is politically sensitive
SaharaReporters linked the episode to a broader atmosphere of tension involving the Obaseki family and palace-related disputes, referencing past public controversy around governance, cultural heritage, and traditional authority. (Sahara Reporters)
It further reported that sources connected the incident to Dr. Obaseki’s reported attendance at an overseas event honoring his cousin, former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, whom the group allegedly labeled “Oghionoba” as well. (Sahara Reporters)
The hard questions Edo people are asking
This incident, as reported, raises questions that demand direct answers:
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Who were the men in the video, and who exactly do they represent? (Sahara Reporters)
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If they claimed to be acting for the Benin Traditional Council, was that claim true or false? (Sahara Reporters)
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If a citizen can be stripped, beaten, and paraded in public over “disrespect” claims, what stops the next victim from being anyone at all? (Punch Newspapers)
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Will Edo authorities treat this as a serious criminal allegation—assault, unlawful detention, and public humiliation—or allow it to be buried under politics and fear? (Punch Newspapers)
What accountability should look like
If Nigeria is serious about law and order, then this case cannot end as gossip and viral clips. A credible response should include:
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A formal police investigation, with public updates and clear identification of suspects.
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Medical and legal protection for Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki, including witness protection if threats exist.
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Public clarification from relevant institutions, especially where their name is being invoked by alleged attackers. (Sahara Reporters)
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Prosecution where evidence supports it, regardless of status, connections, or political convenience.
A final note on the Oba of Benin and the Palace
The Oba of Benin is a major traditional authority figure, and the palace is a symbol with deep cultural meaning. That is exactly why any allegation of violence connected to palace premises must be handled with care and seriousness.
At the same time, no institution should be used as a shield for lawlessness. If anyone used the palace name to justify abuse, that must be exposed. If any official role was involved, that must be investigated. If the claim was false, that too must be stated publicly—with evidence.
For now, the strongest public record available is what multiple outlets reported: Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki was allegedly assaulted, stripped, and brought to the palace gate, while individuals involved claimed he had disrespected the Oba. (Sahara Reporters)
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