Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
A group on the platform of Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide has staged a peaceful road walk in Benin City to protest what they tagged and described as sustained attacks on the revered Benin Throne.
The peaceful procession, led by the President of the movement, Mr. Iyamu Osaro, attracted members of various youth groups and cultural stakeholders who carried placards and inscriptions warning individuals and groups against ridiculing, insulting, or undermining the authority and sanctity of the Benin Royal Palace.
The protesters cautioned Edo people and the general public not to be misled by what they termed an “insignificant number of persons” whom they accused of deliberately portraying the palace and the Benin Throne in bad light through statements and coordinated media campaigns.
Speaking during the peaceful protest, Mr. Iyamu Osaro, said the protest was aimed at sending a strong message to those he alleged had repeatedly made reckless utterances against the Benin monarchy.
According to him, the palace of the Oba of Benin remains sacred to the Edo people and must be protected from ridicule, whether physical or online.
In a joint statement titled “Statement of Fact: Public Warning and Call for Accountability”, dated January 2, 2026, and signed by Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture, President of Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide, and Mr. Uwadiae Iyoha, Coordinator of Otedo Youth Union, the group accused former Governor Godwin Obaseki, his associates, and affiliated media actors of actions they claimed were hostile to the Benin Royal Palace.
The statement alleged that certain political actors had attempted to weaken the unity of the Benin Kingdom, withheld statutory allocations meant for the Benin Traditional Council, instituted legal actions against the palace, and diverted funds allegedly meant for the Benin Royal Museum.
The group also raised concerns over what they described as provocative utterances and actions during and after the 2024 governorship election.
The protesters questioned the recent intervention by members of the Obaseki family following disciplinary actions reportedly taken against Mr. Pedro Obaseki over comments attributed to him about the Benin Throne.
They asked where the family’s intervention was during previous incidents they claimed involved public attacks on the palace and its institutions.
While stressing that they do not support violence in any form, the youths warned that they would remain resolute and lawful in defending the Benin Throne, culture, traditions, and heritage.
They cautioned against selective outrage and intimidation of Edo people expressing what they described as legitimate grievances.
“We are born to continually defend our rich culture, traditions, heritage and customs. The Benin Throne is sacred and non-negotiable,” the statement said.
The group urged the Obaseki’s family to reaffirm loyalty to the Benin Throne and called on all Edo sons and daughters to respect the authority of the Oba of Benin as the custodian of Edo culture and tradition.
Truth Live News Media reported earlier that the Obaseki’s family has described the attack on their son, Don Pedro Obaseki as barbaric.
According to them, “The Obaseki Council has watched a bit to digest the bizarre matter and awaited the reactions of constituted competent authorities before issuing this statement.
“The scenes circulating in the public domain are despicable, savage, barbaric and wholly antithetical to the refined, disciplined, and culture of the Benin people.
“It is capable of reversing the image of Benin as the home of culture and peace. As a minimum first step, it should be roundly called out and condemned.
“No father, mother, brother, sister, or person of good conscience can witness such sordid humiliation of a son of Benin – a respected professional, cultural ambassador, and member of a front-line, noble family without being profoundly shaken.
“The Obaseki Council (family)wishes to state categorically, that it is not political or partisan. Our family has always been robust enough to accommodate diverse political views and personal convictions, provided they are exercised with civility, respect for others, and strict adherence to the law”, Obaseki said.