📰 SUSPECTED THUGS ASSAULT AND PUBLICLY HUMILIATE FORMER GOVERNOR GODWIN OBASEKI’S COUSIN IN BENIN CITY

Benin City, Edo State — A disturbing incident occurred on December 28, 2025, when Don Pedro Obaseki — a veteran filmmaker and CEO of Hosamudia Farm, and cousin of former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki — was reportedly assaulted and stripped naked by suspected thugs in the Edo state capital. According to multiple news reports and footage circulating online, the attack took place near Uwa Primary School in Benin City, where Obaseki had gone to play football before he was confronted by the group. The video shows the suspect attackers forcefully engaging him and later dragging him toward the Oba of Benin’s palace, where he was made to kneel at the palace gate. 📍 What Reporters Are SayingThe suspected assailants reportedly told palace guards they had apprehended an “Oghion” — a term locally interpreted as enemy of the Oba — and brought Obaseki to the palace for accountability.Some palace chiefs, speaking in the Bini language, appeared to caution the youth against causing a breakdown of public order, reminding them of traditional protocol and the significance of local festivities. Despite protests from the suspected attackers, the palace authorities later took custody of Obaseki inside the palace compound, reportedly preventing further violence. 📜 Background TensionsAlthough details remain unclear, observers link the incident to historical friction between former Governor Godwin Obaseki and the traditional authorities in Benin City during his tenure.Obaseki previously clashed with palace stakeholders over:A proposed ban on Okaigheles (traditional youth leaders) across the Benin Kingdom’s local government areas, which the palace rejected as part of its cultural governance system.Disputes over the repatriation of Benin Bronzes, with the Oba insisting artifacts should be returned directly to the palace, while the governor supported a privately managed Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) initiative.While those disputes happened years earlier, they have since influenced public narratives and sentiment around controversies involving the Obaseki family. However, there has been no official confirmation that Don Pedro’s assault was directly connected to those previous disagreements. ⚠️ Official ResponseAt the time of reporting:The Edo State Police Command has not yet released an official statement on the incident. The Oba of Benin’s palace authorities have not issued a public comment on the matter.🧠 Public ReactionThe unfolding situation has sparked widespread reactions online and within local communities, with some condemning the use of mob justice, and others questioning the motives behind the violent act. Human rights advocates and civil society groups are calling for a thorough investigation and accountability for the attackers.