Dr. Pedro Obaseki, a relative of former Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki, has shared his experiences regarding his arrest and brutal treatment at the hands of alleged palace thugs. These individuals were reportedly instructed by the Oba of Benin palace to not only capture him but also subject him to humiliation and display him publicly before the well-known Edo Palace, labeling him as “Oghion” (an enemy of the king).
In a concise statement on social media, Obaseki traced the origins of his ordeal to a speech he delivered in the UK to a gathering of Edo people. During this speech, he claimed to have made the declaration, “Edo gha to Peye” (Long live the Edo people), a phrase that reportedly angered the Palace, given its traditional sentiment of superiority over the Edo populace. The common saying among the Edo is “Oba gha to Peye,” not “Edo gha to Peye.”
He recounted:
“My name is Dr. Pedro Obaseki. On Saturday, 28th December 2025, at about 11:00–11:30 a.m., while playing football at Uwa Primary School on Igbesanmwan Street, Benin City, I was suddenly attacked by a group of men.”
He went on:
“The attackers, some armed and displaying guns, forcibly abducted me. Those leading the assault identified themselves as Kapuepue Adun, Osayande Obakhavbaye, Osamede Nomoless Eriyo, and Osamiefan, also referred to as ‘Sales Guy.'”
“Throughout the abduction, they insisted they were sent by the Oba’s Palace to execute my capture. They claimed the Palace was enraged over my speech delivered to Edo people in London, which I reportedly concluded with the phrase ‘Edo gha to kpere’ (meaning ‘Long live the Edo people’) rather than ‘Oba gha to kpere’ (meaning ‘Long live the Oba of Benin’). They added that they had been ordered to confront any Obaseki, starting with me.”
“I endured severe beatings, was dragged along the streets, and left completely naked. I was pulled along Igbesanmwan Road, taken in front of Holy Aruosa Church, and publicly paraded in my naked state. From there, I was further pulled around Ring Road and forcefully taken into the Oba’s Palace. This public humiliation and beating occurred over a distance of about five (5) kilometers.”
He further stated:
“Within the Oba Palace grounds, I was slapped, beaten, gagged, and compelled to kneel while exposed. In that state, I attempted to plead for my dignity and life as the Oba passed by within the Palace compound. Following that, I was shoved into a Hilux vehicle and taken to the Oba Market Police Station.”
“I was held at the police station for about five (5) hours. During this time, the State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, visited the station on three (3) occasions and informed me I would be released pending clearance from the Oba. Ultimately, at around 5:15 p.m., I was freed.”
“This statement serves as a true and accurate account of the events as they transpired.”
